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•• Victory Over Partiality, Ep 346••• Bible Study Verses: James 2.1-13, Matthew 22.33, 1 Samuel 16:7, Romans 2.11, Acts 10:34••• “Fear imprisons, faith liberates; fear paralyzes, faith empowers; fear disheartens, faith encourages; fear sickens, faith heals; fear makes useless, faith makes serviceable", Harry Emerson Fosdick 1878-1969, American clergyman. Born in Buffalo, NY., Delta Upsilon Fraternity, Colgate U Graduate in 1900& Union Theological Seminary in 1904. Ordained a Baptist minister in 1903 at the Madison Ave. Baptist Church. The most prominent liberal Baptist minister of the early 20th Century. Although a Baptist, he was Pastor of the 1st Presbyterian Church on W. 12th St & then at the historic, interdenominational Riverside Church inNYC. A central figure in the conflict between fundamentalist & liberal forces within American Protestantism in the 1920s& 1930s. He saw the history of Christianity as one of development, progress, & gradual change. To the fundamentalists, this was rank apostasy,& the battle lines were drawn. Fosdick was an outspoken opponent of racism & injustice. Fosdick's sermons won him wide recognition, as did his nationally broadcast RADIO addresses. He authored numerous books, & many of his sermon collections are still in print. Author of the hymn, "God of Grace and God of Glory" †••• “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment”,John 7:24,NKJV••• What type of thoughts do some church goers experience when a wealthy looking person enters the building?••• What triumphs over judgement?M••• How do we know if we are tending towards the sin of partiality?••• Why is partiality sin?••• Which law does partiality break?••• Which law is the Royal Law?••• Which law judges adultery or murder?••• Why did St. James give partiality instructions to the Jewish congregations in the diaspora?••• What was a socially accepted behavior in the Hebrew tribes scattered abroad?••• Who was the early Hebrew Christian Church in the diaspora starting to neglect?••• What are 5-life actions in nipping partiality in the but?••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that you be more intentional about treating others in the church without partiality or racism through the power of Holy Spirit?••• Pastor Godwin Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounters Radio Podcast originally aired on September 14, 2024 on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcasted to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible.••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in it's mission through prayer and support. Thank you .••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/•••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Ike louie Natividad Mikee Sevillano Photography, Ecuador, South America, https://www.facebook.com/lentenilouie/, Ikemaganda@outlook.com, https://www.instagram.com/iamikeee/••• † http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Harry-Emerson-Fosdick-Quotes/••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/240914-victory-oveR-partiality-ep346••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/••• RESOURCE - https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/john.1%20••• FERP240914 Episode#346 GOT240914Ep346••• The Temptation of Partiality - Victory Over PartialitySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is Jordan Green, Chief Experience Officer at Ballogy! Jordan is a former collegiate and pro athlete who is a remarkable example of how you can turn your skill set and passion into a life long career after the ball stops bouncing! He was a three year start at Texas A&M University, played for the San Antonio Spurs G-League affiliate for 3 years and then spent one year playing professionally in France. He had a short stint working with Ernst & Young in between his playing years, and after hanging up the shoes (for real the second time), he stepped into a big role with Ballogy, a software company that is transforming the way athletes prepare for their sports. Today we talked about: When he first started getting serious about basketball Getting state ranked early and what it really meant His recruiting process and why he chose Texas A&M How he built relationships the moment he got to college Preparing for a job in something other than sports His first job at Ernst & Young and what his role was The moment he realized he missed the game The rollercoaster of emotions during G-League tryouts A quick stint playing professionally in France How he got involved in Ballogy & all about the company The important aspects of modern player development His entrepreneurial project – “The Whole Athlete” and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.ballogy.com/ https://thewholeathletejournal.com/ https://www.kevintarca.com/

Fun show to start the week. Today we talked: - Kim Mulkey Solunds Guilty af - UH/A&M - How's Your Bracket? - Jenny Is Mom - A comedy road story + more! This is episode 767 of Barry On Deck, my sports and entertainment show that I stream every on Twitch and YouTube. My stream schedule is Mon-Thu 2-5pm (CST) SUBSCRIBE ON TWITCH: https://bit.ly/BODTwitch SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/barryonsports?sub_confirmation=1 MERCH: https://barryondeck.com/shop ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INSTAGRAM ▶▶ https://instagram.com/barryondeck TIKTOK ▶▶ https://tiktok.com/@barryondeck FACEBOOK ▶▶ https://facebook.com/barryondeck TWITTER ▶▶ https://twitter.com/barryondeck PATREON ▶▶ https://patreon.com/barryondeck ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for watching #BarryOnDeck #sports #sportstalk #nfl #nba #mlb #mma #ufc

In this week's episode of Pages n' Pages, we dive back into the 2023 Goodreads Choice Awards and discuss the finalists after the opening round of voting! Let us know if you voted and if you voted! What We've Read and What We Are Reading: Unhinged by Vera Valentine and narrated by Richard Pendragon and Raven Wildewood System Collapse (The Murderbot Diaries #8) by Martha Wells and narrated by Kevin R. Free The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager and narrated by Nicol Zanzarella Survive the Night by Riley Sager and narrated by Savannah Gilmore The Only One Left by Riley Sager and narrated by Christine Lakin and Dawn Harvey The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence Our Predictions: Fiction: S: The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand M: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang Historical Fiction:  S: The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson M: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride Mystery & Thriller: S: The Only One Left by Riley Sager  M: None of This is True by Lisa Jewell Romance: S & M: Happy Place by Emily Henry Romantasy: S & M: Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros Fantasy: S: Bookshops & Bonedust (Legends & Lattes #0) by Travis Baldree M: A Day of Fallen Night (The Roots of Chaos #0) by Samantha Shannon Science Fiction: S & M: In the Lives of Puppets by T.J. Klune Horror: S & M: How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction: S & M: Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment) by Rebecca Ross Young Adult Fiction: S: Highly Suspicious & Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert M: Five Survive by Holly Jackson  Debut:  S: Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? By Crystal Smith Paul M: The September House by Carissa Orlando Nonfiction: S: The Art Thief by Michael Finkel M: How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures by Sabrina Imbler Memoir & Autobiography: S: Pageboy by Elliot Page M: Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar History & Biography: S & M: The Six: The Untold Story of America's First Women Astronauts by Loren Grush  Humor: S: Leslie F*cking Jones by Leslie Jones M: Being Henry: The Fonz … and Beyond by Henry Winkler

M: Hi Artūrs, thank you for coming! Could you please briefly describe what Magebit is about, how you started Magebit, which is your main company, your main business, what you do and how it all started?A: Yes, hi Miķelis! My name is Artūrs, long time ago, I used to be a programmer, and I programmed for E-commerce. Together with my colleague Kristaps, co-founder Kristaps, we made Magebit, we did the programming ourselves. Then it was not enough, we needed more hands on the deck, we started hiring additional people, additional positions became vacant, we offered additional services. And now it's been 8 years already. Now we have close to hundred employees, all working from here, Riga. M: You said that pretty much all of your employees are based here in Riga yet your clients are mostly from outside of Latvia. A: Yes, our client portfolio is a global one. We have many clients from Latvia, many from the USA, the the Middle East, some from South America, Australia, and various places. Yet our mega market is mainly Europe, all of Europe and also the USA. About our employees – it's mainly people from Latvia yet during the last couple of years, especially during the last year, we are working on providing 24/7 support, and it's easier to do if people work across multiple time zones, that's why we also have an employee from Taiwan so that we can have this big time difference and we could provide close to 24/7 support without introducing night shifts. M: OK that probably means that for your E-commerce clients this 24/7 support is rather critical. A: It could be critical but it's not that they necessarily need it all the time, it's not like all the sites we have built come crashing down all the time; yet the moment our client runs a campaign, let's say a campaign in a different time zone when it's daytime for them and nighttime for us then if something happens, it just makes sense that they need somebody to solve things. And it's great that with campaigns, you can plans things ahead of time so that 24/7 support would be available, and that people would be working non-stop, monitoring the site. Yet at the same time some clients have very busy sites and every hour costs a lot for them, therefore, they simply need a reliable service that maybe doesn't react immediatelybut let's say within an hour's time and can fix stuff or at least help. M: E-commerce is a very broad concept; it could be both a small e-commerce shop or a large multi-million online store. Who is Magebit's client? Who do you work with? A: We mainly work with midsize companies and up. Even though at the beginning we were working with the smallest of companies, as we grew also grew the size of our clients; now even our processes and everything else is completely incompatible with small companies whose main concern is the cost aspect - if you have just started out, the cost aspect is very important to you. Even when improving your conversion rate by just few percent and if it's costing you a fortune, it just simply doesn't make sense, especially if your client base is not that big to earn back your investment within the nearest future. That's why our main focus here at Magebit is mid-markets with established businesses that want to develop and maintain their internet shops, and also big companies that need something very complicated or they just need the same old 24/7 support or a nice, fixed ongoing team of people that will be able to build, to develop in a the long term, let's say for some five years. M: Well, let's just say that between a mid-size company in Latvia and a mid-size company in the USA, there's a huge difference. What's a mid-size company, according to you? A: I would say there's no revenue like this or number of employees like that; it's more about whether the company is ready to invest in their internet shop or maybe they just want the internet shop to be there but don't want us to be changing anything. Because if the company isn't ready to invest or maybe it's not even to their advantage at the time to invest in the development of their internet shop, then most likely it's not even our client. It also costs us money to maintain such idle clients, and yes, such ROI would not reflect positively at either end. At the same time, if a small start-up with funding of sorts with big ideas, willing to make a quality product, would get our attention even if they weren't a mid-size or established company, they could be our client because they are ready to invest and we are ready to make working, professional product that they could use to accelerate their growth. We don't have a certain industry or country or turnover defined. We are more interested in the company's view on the online environment, their readiness to invest, and how serious they are about it. Is it like “you go and do whatever, we don't even care to know,” or they have more of a “hands-on” approach - here we have a budget of sorts, we have this vision, we have these goals - then we can work them. M: If we could divide companies into these three major groups - really small E-commerce companies, mid-size and bigger companies - could you give specific advice to these three groups, what to avoid at each stage when you are just starting and its only your hobby when you have had your first turnover of sorts, and you are trying to have a bigger store, and you want to grow it into a serious business? A: During the first phases, let's say during the first two categories that you mentioned, the cash flow is really important so that the company would be able just to exist because there will be bumps along the road. And also, one should focus on fast implementation, nothing too complicated, and no big processes. Difference between a smaller and a bigger company - if you are a small company, if you decide to pivot today, let's say you go from socks to hats, there's no big damage if you change things up and continue with something that works for you. At the same time, if you are a big company like us right now with around a hundred employees like we have now; if we said one day that enough was enough, from now on, we were making mobile apps, yet our work structure was totally different, there would be huge collateral damage, people wouldn't be happy; we would have to totally rework all the processes. So, yes, one thing to consider is cash flow; the other is your focus - either you focus on making a quick buck I definitely do not suggest doing this because it usually doesn't work. In my experience, for as long as I am making something, I need to make sure that I have passion for what I do, I have some knowledge, yet there will never be enough knowledge, but at the same time, if you have the passion then acquiring the lacking knowledge will not be a burden, it will be a lot simpler. I also think it will feel a bit nicer to solve these problems if the sphere in which you are operating or which is close to or liked by you, or you are just simply curious about the sphere. When speaking about bigger companies, it is important to do the quality jobs right away since big companies also may want to focus on quick implementation but it might happen that you have a big customer base, and you might be trying to continuously implement things that do not entirely work. Let's say for 5% of users, the new features do not work, and all the time, returning customers are facing the same problem over and over again in various places; the customer becomes frustrated, and might start looking for a new place to go. Therefore, to companies, the quality matters, maybe the 1% bigger conversion rate or 1% fewer problems for specific iPhone users, iPhone 12 users to eliminate the problem, it may mean a lot to them in terms of customer experience and in general. Let's say there's a checkout problem, checkout for a sock shop doesn't work and there are five people, and none of them have been on the device before - all in all you don't really lose any money. But if you are Amazon and 0.5% of your users experience problems, then it's a really big volume that turns into potentially lost sales. Then it makes sense for you to be spending a lot of money on solving this complicated, specific problem. M: You mentioned Amazon - in your experience how much you would suggest focusing on the big, existing platforms that come with their own rules, own audience, and own dictatorship or rather focus on building and developing one's own E-commerce platform? A: Neither one is just good or bad; those are different sales channels. It depends on the product, on the company's vision of how they want to develop. Let's say you have this Riga brand - if you want to, if your company's vision now is to make mass sales of mugs with that inscription, Amazone might be a very good choice, because they have this huge customer pool and potentially it's rather simple to ship everything, sell on a trustworthy platform. Yet if you wish to build a brand directly for a consumer, then it makes sense to make your own site that you can develop, where you build loyalty, where you make a different shopping experience for the buyer. It's not like buying a new TV set and then just adding a mug to your shopping cart. It's that I specifically want your mug, I want your brand. M: I think it's a good subject matter that you just touched upon about a brand in an E-commerce environment because in recent years, two big directions have developed. One is that you are building your brand in E-commerce in the long term. The other is the so-called performance-based when through ads that might be louder, more specific, and more shrieking, you get faster sales results but most of the time it happens at the expense of the fact that your brand isn't developing as elegantly and smartly as before. How do you see this balance between these two things, between building your brand in the long term and these ad materials yielding quick sales results? A: It's similar to what I said before about making a quick buck - I never thought it was an entirely good strategy. You might play around with a couple of emotional triggers, trying to get more sales in a while, building that initial customer base. But it all takes away from a more distant, bigger goal. The client should feel safe, but if a client makes a purchase and right after that thinks to himself - sh*t, I was emotionally blackmailed into buying because it said ‘only one left' and ‘15 people looking at this product. And then it starts impacting your brand, they might not want to buy from you the next time if they are not on your website and if they don't have these emotional triggers anymore. So, in the long term I would certainly suggest focusing on results, building your brand, and building customer loyalty. If you are making those E-commerce shops, there's a difference whether you are just offering a bare minimum warranty or you are going the extra mile. In my experience, the extra mile is always more pleasant, those customers will be more likely to return, maybe it won't bring in extra money at that point, it might actually create loss because there would be more refunds, but in the long run, those customers will actually come back because they know that when buying at Amazone the refund term is this, but if they come to buy at my site where I can offer them absolutely more, where I can build a better experience for them, the refund policy is something entirely different. M: That's a good point you mentioned that a brand in an E-commerce environment is not only about colors and logos and how it all looks, but what promises a customer receives, how long is delivery, and what's the return policy. What else besides these things are points to consider that make a brand a strong brand in E-commerce beyond just purely visual image? A: All experience, all experience from the moment I decided to google your brand to the moment I throw that product out in the garbage bin and everything in between. It can be a live chat where they answer all your questions or shipping, or maybe a post office delivers your package, and it's damaged and wrapped in a plastic bubble wrap, or the package is nicely delivered by a courier, the package isn't damaged, and then you open the package, and it is a whole unboxing experience. Look at Apple, there are so many products that fall into a premium pricing category because the experience they offer is great. The moment a person steps into their store, everything is clean, and nice and then they go home and open the package, and that unboxing is a continuation of the experience at the store. People to whom it is important, they will notice and they will appreciate it. M: Switching from the big Magebit E-commerce business that is your main trade, I know that you also have a number of side projects, hobby projects that you work on in your spare time. A: A hobby, a side project - that describes it pretty well. M: At the beginning of this year, you launched a project by the name of Eloking. A: Yes, I did. M: Could you please briefly describe what it's about? A: Yes, sure! For the longest time, I was looking for ways to get more involved with the export industry. Computer games have always been close to my heart, I grew up on Counter-Strike and similar games. And then I simply came up with the idea of Eloking since I was interested in that, it was my hobby, I really wanted to go into coding myself again. That's how it got started, I wanted to make a sort of Uber for E-sports where you can get yourself a professional, an E-sports coach within a couple of clicks who would help you to get better at the game of your choice or maybe help you win the N-Season awards by getting your ratings up. M: If I understand it correctly, it's a platform where coaches meet players who want to pump up their ratings at a specific game. A: Yes, but they are not necessarily just coaches, they are mostly professional gamers from all over the world. You just simply choose the game, let's say, League of Legends, and you choose a service - maybe you want to get a higher rank because the season is coming to a close and you want to receive N-Season Awards. Or you may choose a two-hour coaching with a specific champion because you want to learn how to play better. And it is a similar concept to Uber, which is a marketplace with lots of people who are doing it anyway. We provide customers with a simple calculator, they make an order, they get directly connected with the respective person and they themselves make it all happen. It was my take on things that I wanted to slip into export while simultaneously doing business. M: You started at the beginning of this year, now almost 12 months have passed by. What are the initial results, and what have you been able to achieve so far? A: After some three months, we spent actively drawing and planning, and also, we were able to recruit an investor from the USA. We launched everything in January, and we had ads running immediately while simultaneously launching three games. M: What were your plans and approach, and how you got your message across once you launched the project, which became available then? Did you have paid ads or used some other channels so that people could find out about you? A: At first, we launched the platform itself and then we onboarded our people who could fulfill the orders. I knew somebody who worked with Google ads then after doing market research, finding out the keywords and competitors, I sent all the information to this company so that they would design Google ads specifically for us and we would get some clients. Plus, we did an SAT-based retargeting for those who already had visited our page, and almost right away, we started working on some SEO. SEO is a long-term thing and still up to this date, even though we have had some success, it's not our main driver. M: What is your main driver? A: At this point - paid ads. It's OK, yet we have a huge client retention rate in this sphere; this email marketing is really important to us, and experience is important to us, also good reviews. Yes, and it actually makes sense for us to lose some money on the first purchase if that buyer comes back to us like three more times. M: I saw that when keying in Eloking into Google browser right after your page, a link to Trustpilot comes up. Is that something you have built intentionally? What were you after? A: Yes, it was done intentionally since this type of service comes from a grey area - some people think it's great, they buy it, and then some other people kind of condemn it because they think it damages competitive integrity. Our idea was that we didn't want to convince everybody that that's the thing to do now. We were more about the fact that this type of community is already available, and we wanted to improve it since most of the sites and competitors offer a rather bad experience, refunds were practically non-existent, and clients often times got screwed over. Our approach was that we wanted to make something good. The reviews help us to get clients that had been screwed over or their experience hadn't been smooth on other platforms. The client comes to us, we talk to them on a live chat, they love everything, they look us up on Trustpilot, everything is perfect, super and they become our clients, long-term clients, and we get to work with them. M: Did you make a specific point asking people for references? Or what's your procedure why a person would want to leave a review? A: At first, we activated a Trustpilot feature where they send an automatic email to our clients asking for a review yet many people were too lazy to do that or didn't want to do that - I have made my order, I am done, thank you! What we did then was we asked those who service the orders to ask the clients to leave a review and they would get some sort of bonus for that. Also, they shouldn't necessarily convince the clients to leave only 5-star reviews or else. We encourage the boosters and coaches to leave reviews. They benefit from that. For example, they are having their coaching session and they are doing their thing and then at the end of the call they might say: “Hey, I really enjoyed our session together! I would really appreciate it if you could leave a review and mention my name!” That is more effective that any kind of email. M: How do you find these service providers, how you onboard them, how you verify them? A: The process is actually a rather complicated and long one but the fact is that this industry has a life of its own and it's not like we can hardly find anybody who would like to work with us. We just simply made a ‘Jobs' page. We had already been in contact with the initial base. But the moment we launched ads, the clients who searched for us could find us; the same way our coaches found us or people searching for jobs. And there are more of them than we have a demand for actually. At the moment we have some 4-5 K people on stand-by who would love to come and work. We haven't even gotten back to them yet saying that we would like to work with them, they have just applied. And the moment we will see that we need help with a specific region, specific game then we will get back to a specific group of people. M: Why are you interested in E-sports? Do you see it as a category that will develop within the next years or it's more of a personal hobby of yours? A: It is a personal hobby and I have been involved with that already since my school years, I have seen it all developing, I know what Counter-Strike or League of Legends were like 15 plus years ago and what it's like now; you can't really compare the two. The prize pools they have, the overflowing arenas. It's all becoming more and more popular also in Europe - it might seem that Counter-Strike is just a little game. Yet there's a major tournament being organized, huge arenas filled. The president of France announced that they are hosting a Counter-Strike tournament, and that shows that it ‘ain't no silly little game no mo'. The same with Candy Crash - a seemingly little game yet it's an enormous business actually. M: You have many ideas, you have your main business, you have Eloking, you have Star Registration. How do you filter your ideas, how you choose where to invest yourself for the next three months or which ones you just write down or let pass by altogether? A: Well, one of the aspects I always consider is time. Right now, I have a super idea, and most likely I won't even touch it because I don't have the time for that. Because Magebit alone is more than just 9 to 5 for me because the schedule there just doesn't fit the bill, but that's my primary job, and I have to be involved there on a full-time basis as a minimum. The stars and the Eloking, that's something to do after work, in my spare time - that's why in my side businesses, I always have a person who can deal with things and solve them. For example, in Star Registration, I have a co-founder Kristaps, and I have another co-founder, also called Artūrs, with whom we work together. The other Artūrs is in charge of the day-to-day operations, and then Kristaps and I, take turns jumping in - at one point, one of us works on SEO, then the other at some other time; then next time, we jump into something else. And it's not an ongoing full-time job, it really is a side project for us as it should be. M: In Magebit and in your other projects, your main audience is clients outside of Latvia; even though your office is here, your base is here, you work from here. What are the main arguments, how do you sell yourself and Latvia when you speak to people outside? Why would it be worth their while to cooperate with a company here, in Latvia? What are the values and benefits of working and building a business in this region? A: It depends on what we are selling. If we are selling Magebit services B2B, we lead with the fact that we have something like Eastern European pricing for Northern European quality. And it's a great combo, plus we are in Europe, which means we have laws and other things developed. Our prices are not as high since we are not in Sweden, for example, where the cost of living is higher. And if we are trying to sell B2C, for example, with Star Registration, the customers there don't really care where you do the shipping, all they care about is whether they can get the product fast, whether it's of good quality and whether their whole experience is good. If you can ensure those three then in general, it doesn't really matter whether your LLC is registered in Romania, Latvia, or the USA. M: What awaits Magebit in the future, where do you see yourselves within the next two, four, or five years? How are you going to develop? A: We want to grow into big clients that are searching us out themselves. Right now, we have a lot of word by mouth, and we have a lot of mid-size clients coming in the door, and we work with them. And then time to time, we have some Fortune 500 companies and some big brands to work with. And we would like to keep that balance between mid-size and big clients, yet we would also like to have more of the big clients. And also, we would like to work with some more complicated implementations since dealing with the big clients isn't always as pleasant as they usually have very limited brand guidelines on how everything should look, what fonts can be used, etc. Yet, in terms of technology, they often have an interesting approach since they have many sub-companies and related companies on very many levels. Then they need to observe compliance with integrating other systems. I would like to have the best of both worlds where we work with mid-size entrepreneurs who want to invest in their development where we can express ourselves with visual design; also, I want to work with big companies who, first of all, have a great brand, great case study, and secondly that pose a technological challenge to our best programmers. M: This type of challenge always helps to maintain some level of hunger. Thank you for coming and for your time! A: Yes, thank you!

19 Décembre 2022 - Bye Bye 2022! Shamelessplug Hackfest 2023 - 15e édition - Réservez votre hôtel - 12-13-14 Octobre 2023 FORMATIONS: 9 AU 12 OCTOBRE JOURNÉE GESTIONNAIRES: 12 OCTOBRE - 10H À 18H COCKTAIL D'OUVERTURE: 12 OCTOBRE - 18H CONFÉRENCES ET VILLAGES: 13 ET 14 OCTOBRE CTFS: 13 AU 14 OCTOBRE (24H) Join Hackfest/La French Connection Discord Join Hackfest us on Mastodon Nouvelles Shownotes and Links Janvier De longs délais de traitement de l'assurance-emploi - AUDIO “Fini” clicsequr Les athlètes invités à laisser leur téléphone cellulaire chez eux Cyberattaque contre des programmes d'aide aux employés et à leur famille Février IrResponsible disclosure - La ville de Laval mets sa preprod - https://preprodmondossier.laval.ca/ Toyota et bridgestone (quebec) impacté - AUDIO Segment “C'est cyber-triste” - AUDIO Jacques est sur le dark web Mars Un pirate informatique de Gatineau extradé vers les États-Unis - AUDIO Un excellent reportage à son sujet ici, incluant son entrevue Les PMEs canadiennes inquiètes du risque des cyberattaques Autre article du JdQ Avril Concordia menace les participants de leur propre CTF… Sephora hacl “Patching is useless” déclare un ex employé de la NSA On va appeler ta mère: L'Ukraine scanne les visages des Russes décédés, puis contacte leur famille Mai Utilisation frauduleuse d'Interac: “Request for money” La cyberattaque à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador a coûté 16 M How to Protect Your Digital Privacy if Roe v. Wade Falls Les jeunes d'aujourd'hui n'ont même pas fini l'école et leurs données sont déjà en circulation: Cyberattaque au Collège Montmorency: des données personnelles ont été compromises Et dans la même veine: Ransomware attack exposes data of 500,000 Chicago students Juin Health P.E.I. alerts public of privacy breach after laptop stolen: Health P.E.I. alerts public of privacy breach after laptop stolen Le fond de EHealth Saskatchewan en cybersécurité est critiqué Desjardins 20mil - AUDIO Juillet Hydro-Québec qui micro-management HackerOne employees goes rogue Québec veut faire son cloud Québécois pour 325 millions Août ArriveCan is investigated by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner: - AUDIO Est-ce que ça nous tente d'ouvrir un “can of worms” ? Quand travailler en anglais rime avec de gros salaires: Quand travailler en anglais rime avec de gros salaires Les équipements John Deere peuvent maintenant rouler Doom Une grosse semaine occupée pour les cyber-méchants ! UPA BRP Davincys B…R…P.. Aouch - AUDIO Radio-Canada Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr The Record Tim Hortons: un beigne et un café contre vos données](https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/tim-hortons-app-1.6536175) Septembre Élections: On ne parle pas assez de cybersécurité Entrevue avec proacksecurity - staple est vulnerable à IDOR (données sensibles) CAQ leak Octobre Moins du quart des PME québécoises se protègent adéquatement Le nombre de cyberattaques pour des rançons explose dans les PME Hackfest à lieu - le podcast failed Novembre La What connection ? Crew Jacques Sauvé Patrick Mathieu Guillaume Morissette Crew absent - on vous aiment! Richer Dinelle Gabrielle Joni Verreault Vanessa Franck Damien Crédits Montage audio par Hackfest Communication Musique par DJ Gil Lugo Merry XMas Trap Mix Locaux virtuels par Streamyard et CleanFeed

Asketic co-Founder Miķelis Baštiks talking with Inese Ozola from "Amoralle" and "Amoralle Level Up" about how to build and work with the audience and how to create new ways of building business by listening to your audience.M: Speaking of fundamental values, which we discussed while creating the website. You have identified them, but how do they impact the practical side of things? Secondly, we once touched upon this in our Instagram conversation, how you didn't create Level Up out of thin air, but instead created something for your existing audience or community that's completely different from your core business, which is to sew clothing. When you had SockBox, you probably never imagined you would have digital products, masterclasses, but when you understand your person, you can make anything for them, gather help for Ukraine, film videos and sew clothing. Those are different activities, but they are for the same person. I find it very interesting – building around the audience, because 9 out of 10 times it's the other way around. Someone decides to make or sell something and then looks for people who need it. You're the rare case, where you already had an audience and then you keep expanding it.I: If someone first decides to become a fashion designer, and there are a lot of people who feel such drive in them, and then this person very purposefully works toward what they believe in, then eventually they will find their audience. In these cases, the authenticity of such people is always totally clear, you know they are looking straight ahead towards their goal, it's their opinion. You may like it, so you follow that, or you may not like it – so you don't. The downside is that this usually is a very firm, inflexible, very straight path. While the other story, which is my story, is a relationship with the brand or with your dream.M: The difference is that in the first case the brand is created around the personality, but in the second case – around the audience. Seth Godin, a grand-master of marketing, has compared business creation to a dance – you called it a relationship – where you constantly do your best to not step on each other's foot and understand where you are going next, and that's the other path.I: I actually think that today's brands are about this relationship.M: As much as I was able to witness your team in action, it felt very good, and also, I could sense a system underneath. There was no bureaucracy, which was nice to observe. Have you intentionally applied that or is there a structure, the invisible carcass?I: You can't teach that, you can create that, it's a living organism, and it works because everyone is in their place. One of our unwritten rules is that every person who exits our premises, whether it's a cooperation partner, client or delivery person, has to feel happier than when they entered. To sell something at the store is not as important as making the lady happy as she leaves.M: That's one of the cornerstones of the brand, and then you seek how you can achieve that with music, interior design, relationships, specific staff dress code. And these are the small points of contact, which together create the sense of the brand or associations with Amoralle.I: Of course, I'm glad to hear praise, thank you for that, but I find critique to be of the highest value. That allows me to analyse the situation, and any critique is always followed by a small adjustment to the system going forward. For example, an individual order – a lady wants to make a dress. We have agreed on the design, the price, but something goes wrong, there's a lack of satisfaction. I dissect this whole situation, and going forward we introduce a payment of deposit with the order. If we don't pay the first instalment or pay before the service, then we don't feel involved in the process. Whereas, after we pay the first instalment we feel as a partner in the process towards the common goal. Also, a clear understanding of what each element costs and why. We get this question quite often. Why does this silk peignoir costs 1000 euros?M: How do you explain this value in practice? Do you explain during the meeting, is it explained on video or at the website? In your experience, what is the best way to convey the value of this end-product or piece of art?I: To date, a detailed video story has worked the best, where you see the beginning, the fabric being sewn by people and then the product, which is now on the catwalk at a fashion show. Then an unwritten rule is to have a sample, namely, the bicycle has been invented and you need to see what are the people, who already have reached the destination of our path, doing now.M: Okay, in every aspect of your operation?I: Yes, name it, in every aspect there's a sample, because when you see it visually, you understand what resonates with you and what is it you would like to change to convey the message to your clients. The sample has allowed me to save a lot of money and time. I've learned it over time in cases of failure, and by analysing them I realise that from now on we shall implement a sample. Failures are the ones that help you take bigger steps toward your goal; they help you save money and time in the future.M: How do you find the balance between being present with your team, doing all these things that you mentioned, and stepping away from all that quite a lot, letting the team work remotely or independently?I: I'm present as much as I can, I trust my colleagues and that's the only way I want to work. I pay a lot of attention to having the strongest, sharpest, most powerful and efficient colleagues on the team.M: How does it work in practice with there being multiple locations? Are you some days in one place and some days in other? Or do you all meet up or have a conference call or you work individually? How does that happen in reality?I: I spend a certain time in each place, but I do spend more time where the toughest stage is being tackled. For example, during the creation of Level Up, I spent more time at Level Up.M: How did you realise that during the Covid pandemic you could create a new business branch, which is Amoralle Level Up and has no direct relation to clothing, but is more like a community for women who relate to this brand, but you offer completely different products, namely, online masterclasses, digital products, various events on your premises?I: In this field of information and specialists, to be able to select the best, the most powerful ones and to transfer this knowledge to your clients, to be together with them and together realise how we as a brand can help them. And we can help, because we are the ones who created this femininity brand cult in Latvia. If you had to name a Latvian femininity brand, you would definitely mention Amoralle. That's what we created, this story of lace, the victory walks of lace. We have been the pioneers. It makes us responsible to these women to give them what they need today. And one day, if I as the director or we as the brand feel that they need a new direction, I will follow it.M: What you did in respect of Ukraine, when you momentarily, in a few days' time created a new centre, where you could bring the necessary things and supplies to help, it was not just an Instagram post of support, but a practical platform, which allowed the people who relate to your brand to get involved and help out.I: This story has more to it. When the war in Ukraine began, when Russia invaded Ukraine, we were having the pre-launch campaign for our new collection, we had planned to start selling the new collection. We had invested money in the collection and the marketing campaign, ads etc. At that moment it was clear to us that our women, the ones who love the brand Amoralle – none of them would want such dress, nobody would want to see it. That's not possible. We stopped everything instantly, and together with them we dived into helping as one big team.M: Once my friend told me that he had went into this shop on Brivibas Street called SockBox to buy socks for his girlfriend and that's the first time I heard of it. Later you became what you are now. How did it even begin? How did you get the idea to create something like this?I: I created the shop after my son had just been born, it was opened when he turned 9 months old. I basically created it at home with the computer, while feeding the baby. The initial idea was to offer socks from various manufacturers to women and men. Less than a year later I was working at the shop daily. I was the cleaner, the accountant, the director, I was everything. While working there every day, I realised that no one is producing the things that women would like to buy. I even went to China to see if somebody there produces what I think they would want to buy. Then my mom mentioned that we could sew it ourselves. She knows how to sew, but she had just joined sewing courses to improve her skills. I said “okay” and so we bought a sewing machine and hired Natālija who still works with us.M: The rebranding stage when SockBox became Amoralle. Why did that happen and how do you feel about that now?I: I wanted to create a fashion sock brand. In order to have a fashion sock brand you have to participate in a fashion show. When I got the permission to join a fashion show, only then I realised that you can't send a naked model with only socks on. That's how the first bodies were created. To create a “wow” moment for the final look, we made a flowy cape. That's how we started producing silk peignoirs. I can clearly remember the first client who bought a silk peignoir for 700 euros in the small SockBox shop. I almost fainted from happiness. That inspired me more and more. It still was called SockBox, we made silk peignoirs, sold them. We were contacted by a gentleman of Arab descent, who wanted us to open a shop in the Middle East. And we needed a name. At that time, we were already selling in the Middle East, and my clients were saying that it's pretty hard to make a connection between the name SockBox and silk peignoirs with this branding. When thinking about export, I realised that it's a problem and that we need a rebranding, and I made this decision, since the brand was still small enough to make a quick rebranding without much hassle.M: Does this name resonate with people in Saudi Arabia? People there are even more traditional than here.I: People are very traditional, you can't show any photo with a body. You can only show the clothes with no body. There are certain market conditions. But the risqué, sensual clothing itself, they like it very much. It's not much spoken about, and it must be marketed in other visual ways.M: There can be no photos of people?I: No, you can't show such clothing on people in Saudi Arabia. When a woman goes shopping in this kind of shop, there have to be at least two shop-assistants present in the room; you can't be alone. The woman doesn't speak, she indicates with her eyes what she has chosen, and she never pays for it. She makes a choice and then her husband, brother or father comes in to pay.M: In one of our conversations you mentioned that the brand essence is “beautiful at home”.I: Yes.M: I really liked what you said. It provided even more clarity about what this brand is and who it's meant for, as well as the situation and context this product is to be used in.I: The sense of self, relationship with yourself begins at home. It mostly happens when no one is around, during your “me time”. The dialogue with yourself. Clothing is a source of inspiration for me. I put on beautiful loungewear when no one is around and that's when magic happens. That's the beginning in my experience. In the shop, also in exhibitions in Paris or New York, I often hear “I don't have a home that's adequate for wearing this kind of clothing”. I think it's an open discussion. What comes first? Beautiful clothes and then a beautiful home? Or a beautiful home first and then beautiful clothing? I will tell you how it happened. We have these silk slips. They're like dresses and look amazing when combined with your beloved one's suit jacket. I once went out like that, and he said “You wore that at home. Isn't it a nightdress?”. I replied “Yes, but it's very comfortable and looks really great”. It also makes you feel a bit mysterious. You feel very free, you do what makes you comfortable. That's a brand value. Value of a women's brand. We only have female employees, by the way. And I want them to do things only in a way that's comfortable for them. When a woman is inspired, everything happens swiftly. You must have noticed it in your wife too. She sometimes ticks off every task swiftly and easily. But sometimes things are dragging.M: Yeah.I: If we talk about the Amoralle story of 14 years, I vividly remember one turning point. I was traveling back from exhibition in New York. We did very well and I was thinking about what to do next. There's this book “The ONE Thing”. It talks about how important it is in business and in life to choose one thing and focus on it. Then your day will consist of anything that moves you closer to this one thing. There's this whole method for finding this one thing. I tried to apply it to Amoralle, and I realised that we were thinking about wholesale trade at that time, we were thinking about the development of local market, also we were considering expansion of production. We were spending our time focusing on various things. After I completed all of the tasks, I concluded that there is one essential thing, which still remains my one thing, which I do in order to expand the brand. And that's online. It's very essential, valuable and necessary for any business to understand internally that the tomorrow is only online. In the online realm you converse with your client in a completely different way. If you want to develop your business online, you have to think completely differently.M: Just like with the brand essence you mentioned, “beautiful at home”. It's one essence that is difficult to catch, but when you find it, it helps arrange everything else around it. The same goes for online. You're doing specific physical things, which is your shop in Riga, but it has to serve for this one thing.I: Nowadays physical shopping is on the downturn, but it still is necessary. We want this experience of being present, we want to feel the authenticity. But I believe that the whole tomorrow will be online. And being online, letters play an enormous role. The proportion. You see the message differently, if the letter is too large or too small, or written differently.M: That's the digital interior design.

This time we're meeting Krists Dārziņš, a designer who has used this pandemic to progress from client projects to his own company and sell digital products worldwide. M: As for the reason I wanted to talk to you, we had a phone conversation at the beginning of this year and you told me about your plan to transition from client-based projects to various self-initiative projects, while ensuring the necessary workflow, within this year. When we contacted during the second half of this year, you told me you had succeeded.K: Yes.M: It's interesting to take a moment to reflect on it and talk about the “why” and “how”. It would be a great place to start, if you could tell us about the idea behind these self-initiative projects and about the very beginning.K: It all began in March 2020, just like for many designers and not just designers. The pandemic started, causing a lot of restrictions in Latvia as well. At that moment I had three clients, namely, three projects - two with restaurant identities and one with tourism agency identity. A killer-combo. Everything stopped in literally one week. I realised that I had two kids and a wife at home and that everything was bad. The survival instinct switched on and basically that same week I figured out that the fastest way to earn something would be to create a product for designers, which I'm quite knowledgeable in. I've realized that it's best play to your strengths. And that's what happened. When I considered how to present it all to the audience, Readymag came to mind, where you can create simple webpages. If I made it pretty, I could submit it to their gallery, and maybe they would show it to their designers. That's exactly how it happened. I created a product – a very simple vector-based outlined tech mockup. Actually it wasn't much of a mockup, people just could insert their photos in the vectors of iPhones, iMacs and various devices. I created the page, it took an extra day, and the following day Readymag put it on their gallery. It happened quite quickly, and the sales began the very first day.M: On the very first day? Super! That must be a great feeling.K: The moment when money starts to come in from random people and not from my clients, that's when you realise this could be something bigger. If I'm not mistaken, the price was 12 or 19 dollars per item. I had named the whole project “portfolio-ready mockup”. And on the next day… I had no expectations, everything happened so quickly, I took the bull by the horns – I called Mārcis Loķis. We had previously worked on some projects, he's a 3D animator, a talented guy. I knew we work well together. I had this feeling that I should call him, since I knew I wouldn't be able to create too many outlined vector-based mockups, nor could I do photography, so I needed somebody to work with. I told Mārcis about this thing and asked how his projects are doing. He said that all projects shut down within a week for him as well. It was a good timing, so we started to create together with iPhones, iPads etc. And that's how we started cashing in.M: That's the first stage. Could you tell me about what happens three months down the line? When you realized the first wave has passed and you have to start building a community of people, an audience, you have zero followers on Instagram and the project is brand new. What are the first steps afterwards? Okay, yeah, Readymag posted it, but how do you maintain a long-term flow?K: That's exactly how it happened. When Readymag posts it, it gets pushed down by new creations and the product's hype disappears quite quickly. Even though the first product that I created in one day, it continued to be our most profitable product for half a year, which was surprising. We still continued, knowing the product would stop earning money one day, and kept making new product channels. That was one thing. Secondly, we realised we wouldn't be able to gain the audience by ourselves that simply. We had no experience doing that, we're no trend-setters, so we needed an outside help. We found a shop “YouWorkForThem”, where assets already were being sold, and their style was similar to ours, so we applied to this shop. Yeah, cool, jump in. We posted there, which created an additional income channel for us. We no longer had to think about marketing that much. Someone else did that in our stead. M: What was the division? How much was sold by others and how many clients you attracted by yourselves?K: At “YouWorkForThem” it's very simple. If you're selling something, it's 50:50. That's how we lived for quite a while, even recently “YouWorkForThem” was a great support for us, as well as “Creative Market”. Designers, who use these assets, would use these markets, buy and sell on this platform. Regarding what we sell by ourselves… It has been our goal recently  to lure this income over to our shop, so we're no longer that dependent on “YouWorkForThem” or other shops. We don't know their algorithms and how it all works, we have to share profit with them. That was our goal, and now most of our income comes from our shop. Besides we have gradually grown our audience, mostly based on our hope that people will appreciate quality stuff.M: What was it in your language and style that allowed you to believe that this is worth investing and creating? And what do you think the audience noticed when they chose you among plenty of others?K: If you're an agency or a professional designer and you need a good product, while saving your own time on creating mockups, there aren't that many sensible options. That's what we understood over time, that there are no products. So we developed our signature and style. One of our specifics is that Mārcis creates the 3D part of it all. If some mockups are based on photography, this signature automatically develops as well.M: One cool thing you mentioned is that your first product was very simple, a vector-based visualisation, but when it comes to business ideas, you don't always have to strive for the most difficult, most innovative solution. Sometimes a simple, clear solution is what works the best, and that's a very good lesson. You don't have to overly complicate the beginning, you can get something out very quickly, in one day, like you said, and your first sales the very next day.K: Yes, that's right. Designers tend to be over-thinkers, like, will this be good enough and pretty enough. But in this case, the Covid had started and the survival instinct overpowered the designer instinct. You simply had to publish something, and you just think in your head, what you can put out quickly.M: What channels worked for you in reaching the audience most efficiently? Like Instagram, newsletters. Which of all that helped you in practice? And what was a waste of your time?K: Basically, Instagram just like Facebook is very unreliable. Okay, you decide to do one post every day at four o'clock. You keep doing that and Instagram likes you, but if you miss just one day, the friendship is over. The following day gets worse, you have less “likes”, less impressions, and everything is bad. I have realised that you have to activate your personal Twitter account. People really like when someone is writing in person, designers can get along with designers better, because if we would communicate as the company “Supply.Family”, the contact wouldn't be the same.M: Have you had any conclusions? For example, that simple product was a best-seller for a long time. Maybe you have other outside insights regarding designers.K: I divide our products in two segments. One is the practical mockups, for example, business cards. They look normal and plain, but they sell well. And then there are lightboxes, the sexy mockups that look really cool and attract attention, but the sales are lower, because they are less practical. Besides, we sell not only mockups, we have Photoshop effects, graphics etc. We have grown our shop, by adding other designers. We now also have fonts, and it all has blended together.M: How has this whole process changed you as a designer? How you see the things you create and who do you create them for, since previously you worked for clients. It's the same tools, but a completely different psychology in your head. Now you create yourself, try to sell by yourself.K: I basically create products for myself, by considering what I myself would like. That is our audience, and if I like it, others would like it as well. It's very easy.M: Has the process itself changed? Do you work faster or do you invest four times as much time?K: No, no, in that sense it's a skill as any other skill. It's mockup creation, which we specialize in more than in Photoshop effects. We know the correct techniques for achieving the best result, and that's how we work. The speed and quality has definitely improved.M: Speaking about brands, if we visit your website, there is a wide range of brands, not just one. I tried to write them down, it's Become Family, Studio Family, Supply Family, The Ministry, Apex Design Store, you have your Wallpaper. What's the structure you have created, what's the idea behind this and why have you divided various projects under completely different domains and brands?K: You know, during the last few years we have tried to figure out what is it that we're aiming for and what we are? Become Family was the studio from back when created brands. Become Family was the family, the body of it all. All these projects you listed are under this Family, as well as our studio, which is Studio Family. And Studio Family creates products, mockups etc. Apex is for merchandise, various posters and similar things. We have tried to divide it to make it easier for ourselves. When you work on brands, you need a system. I need a system, so it's clear to me what I'm working on, what I need to pay more attention to.M: Do you keep an inner account on how much time you spend on which project and how much they earn?You know, the survival instinct is still intact and we pay attention to what is earning more, which is Supply Family with all its templates etc. If we spend time on Supply and create new products, those will be products that will be sold additionally. If we can afford to not do that, then we don't do it and we create something else.M: How do you feel about the division between the prevailing digital products and the physical products? The physical products have to be packaged, brought to post office, you have to ship them, print them. How do you see this division?K: With digital products it's super simple. When someone asks me, I compare it to selling kebabs. You make one kebab from a tomato you have grown, from meat you have grown as well. You put it together, create one item and then sell for several years. And you don't need Wolt, a courier, it just gets delivered via e-mail.M: I've noticed that you have started to add an NFT licence option to several projects. Can you tell me why and what do you find interesting in that? What's the idea behind doing that?K: Regarding NFTs, we're just feeling around, seeing where it all will go. I have mixed feelings about NFTs and Crypto in general. We're okay with people creating it, so we added the option for people to add one licence, since we want people to have the uniqueness of a piece of art, so you can't generate ten thousand faces and sell them.M: Your website has an option to purchase creations with an NFT licence. It's a very primitive question, but how does it work in practice?K: When it comes to these templates, Photoshop graphics and any other thing, we don't sell the file itself, we sell licences. All designers know that you can download Photoshop via torrents and the same goes for mockups. But what we sell are licences. We have various licences, commercial, commercial plaza, it depends on the buyer, what it's intended for. An NFT licence is simply what you have purchased, what you are allowed to do with the product. It's just a reference that the person has purchased and NFT licence. And each product has only one NFT licence.M: One of your clients is Adobe, the great software giant. Can you tell me about how that came to be, what you did for them, and what was the experience, when compared to your experience of several years here with local clients?K: Actually they contacted us at the end of last year, it was December 2020. An Adobe representative wrote to us, it was a complete shock. At first I didn't believe it, I thought it was a middleman of a middleman. I don't know where they saw those products, in Creative Market or Behance, but they liked them. They said they wanted to put them in their Discover Portal, and of course we were like “Yes, sure!”. Soon afterwards we had calls with several people, everyone was very open-minded. It was the best client you could get.M: Did they order something new or something from the existing products?K: We had a whole list of things we could make that we discussed during this call. Me and Mārcis sat down with this list of products - various mockups, Photoshop effects, after-effects, and just made them one by one.M: What's the behind-the-scenes process?K: You know, we made a quite comprehensive list for them to choose from. They call us saying that they want everything. I was like, okay, you want everything. So we just keep going through this list, it's still not completed.M: Do you feel a feedback regarding your products and brand when the audience sees you on Adobe site and link it back to you?K: Yes, we do get that, less than we expected, but we do get constant feedback, and people are writing good comments and sending messages.M: What's the geographical division? I assume it's mostly export and that it's not a local Latvian client. Is it North America or the whole world?K: Since March 2020, when I created the first product, there have been three purchases made in Latvia. If I remember correctly, America currently is at 40-45%, it's definitely the biggest market, so we try to adjust the communication to West coast.M:What are three take-aways from your whole experience with projects? A few nuggets of wisdom that you could leave us with?K: Don't be afraid to change your career, that's one. When the first money comes in, you're like, hey, I can earn it differently. You don't have to be afraid of something fresh in your life. Secondly, think foreign. That pertains to Latvian designers, absolutely. It depends on the set-up of each person. Maybe you don't have to work full-time with an ad agency and create banners, maybe you can do something else. You have to push yourself to do something more serious. Thirdly, what's very important for designers, it's to believe in your abilities, don't listen to bad comments. Maybe it sounds boring, but it's true. You get bad comments as well, and, I apologize, but mostly from Latvians. Don't pay attention to those and keep going in the best conscience and create good things of good quality.M: Thank you, Krists, for coming, and we're looking forward to new things from your Family.Krists Dārziņš:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristsdarzins/https://www.kristsdarzins.design/https://become.family/Subscribe to Asketic Podcast on:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/73QSMYK46NHoHCytJYYmPZ?si=Mw4ZLISUSoueh9Es1pCLUgApple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/lv/podcast/asketic-podcast/id1496922775YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQdekksSROS4PCxRV7aqT3QGoogle Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2Fza2V0aWMtcG9kY2FzdA--Asketic design & branding:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asketicstudio/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asketic/WWW: http://asketic.com/

Does that monster creep up on you too? O.V.E.R.W.H.E.L.M How do you handle it?  On a coaching call, one of my business mentors shared a perspective on overwhelm that stopped me in my tracks.  And this subtle shift, or rather WAKE UP CALL, around how to deal with overwhelm, has been a game changer in how I move through my days. Not that the sneakly little Overwhelm monster doesn't try to creep back into my routine, but now I know how tame him and get sh*t done efficiently, with way more peace. In today's episode I share with you another eye-opening definition of Overwhelm along with exactly what to do when you feel it coming on.   Join me for Artful Selling in January. Grab your spot on the waitlist here. Come celebrate + support Independent Artists and Makers, and do some thoughtful holiday shopping for wonderfully warm and unique gifts on Sunday November, 28. https://smallstudiosundayinvite.com/ You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram and facebook @creativethursday

Welcome to the Type1lifting podcast. This episode is sponsored by Liberte Lifestyle. Save some coin by typing the promo code TYPE1 at checkout. https://libertelifestyles.com In this episode I talk to Kari Pearce who is a CrossFit games athlete and the creator of the Power Abs. In this episode we talk about * What was it like being an athlete at U of M * How she got started in CrossFit * What was the reason she moved to New York then Las Vegas. * Why she almost quit CrossFit * What are her plans for the Power Abs brand. You can I’lle always check out Type1lifting by going to www.type1lifting.com Instagram @type1lifting Twitter @type1lifting Facebook Type1lifting Tik Tok @Type1lifting Thank you for listening and enjoy the show.

My guest today is Gatis Zēmanis, co founder of "Kalve Coffee", we are talking about design as a strong component of business from day one.M: Hi, Gatis! Thanks for the coffee which comes from Coffee Roastery KALVE and which has been roasted here, in Riga. You have worked with coffee a lot. Can you tell me a bit about the history? When did you start and how did you end up in coffee?G: Many people have asked “Why coffee? “, and the answer is that this product is important, I like coffee, and it's a very interesting product to work with emotionally and financially, but the connection to coffee most likely are the people from this industry, and what makes this industry cool is its openness and responsiveness on a global level, and it seems that coffee is a massive global business, but while we are on the topic of specialty, you can actually reach any point of the world, farmer or the world's best barista, or a roaster.M: Can you briefly explain what is specialty coffee?G: It differs with quality – there's specialty coffee and there's mainstream coffee. There's an institution called Cup of Excellence who are special certified judges who assess coffee's sensory characteristics and give you points. Specialty coffee means that each bean that's in your package will be free of defects, they will have more or less the same size and gradation, namely, there will be a lot more work put into the coffee to bring out the best of it. Interestingly, if we talk about mainstream coffee… actually the topic of coffee is changing very quickly, and coffee demand globally is growing, and few days ago I had a conversation with a Latvian scientist Ilze Laukalēja who studies coffee and who has research a lot of thing in USA universities, and she had a question from one of the biggest corporate companies of Brazil that produces green coffee about what to do with the mainstream coffee that people need less and less. They found that this coffee has a lot more antioxidants and a lot of good substances, and now there's a big question mark regarding what to do in order to turn this defect into an effect.M: When you started, you were not the first coffee roaster in Riga. I know that historically there have been more than 20 coffee roasteries in Riga, but back when you started there were 2 or 3. When you came up with your offer, what was the essence you put in your brand when you recognized that there's a place for one more roastery and what was the place you hoped to occupy?G: Primarily, me and Raimonds, my partner , saw that we really love the specialty coffee and that we like everything that this specialty coffee offers in the sensory and community sense. And we saw that specialty coffee is not emotionally and financially presented in the way that we see it, that it was more like a niche product. If we would let a coffee drinker, who drinks Italian coffee, try a specialty coffee, he would think it's bitter and expensive etc., so our goal was to make this specialty coffee emotionally and financially available.M: I know that your brand has many values that you strictly adhere to, one that you mentioned was  availability, price. Are there any other values that you identified from the beginning and that you considered as the pillars of your brand?G: We really put in a lot of work in the beginning in order to create a navigation map for us that's based on these pillars – core values. One of them is availability, and it doesn't only mean price availability… speciality coffee doesn't have to cost 50 euros per kilo, it can just as well cost 25 euros per kilo. Or availability of taste, when it doesn't mean that this coffee has a particular, bitter, fruity taste that's not acceptable to an Italian. We are able to create an expresso blend that's specialty, but which is accepted by both an Italian and a specialty coffee drinker. The second value, which is absolutely essential and nowadays topical for almost every company, is sustainability. Sustainable design, sustainable thinking within the company, sustainable delivery or packaging.M: One of the things that separates you from most of the companies, is that you had a strong emphasis on a high quality brand design from day one. There are a lot of beautiful brands, but there are few brands where this has been addressed from the beginning. You are one of the rare companies that has a designer within its founding team. Such brands are not many, Madara Cosmetics is one of the examples and you are also one of such companies that has a designer at hand from day one, and that is obvious. What was the decision on your part when you understood that this is an aspect that is worth paying attention to?G: It was most likely an unconscious choice and coincidence. It was clear that we wanted this to be a high-quality brand not only in the terms of contents, but also regarding design. It had to look really good. Our ambitions were high enough that we saw this coffee brand not in the context of Latvia or the Baltics, but in the context of Europe. Destiny brought us together with this one guy Jānis Andersons, and at the very beginning we had decided that we would not attract investors just so we could sustain the ability to manoeuvre and freely make decisions. So, when we met Jānis and started talking, we understood that we can't afford to pay him for the whole brand development, marketing strategy etc., and through conversations we came to a conclusion that maybe we should be partners.M: You mentioned brand culture and that you had a common understanding about how the company should be created. I know that you work a lot with the internal culture. Maybe you could tell me about your approach to the invisible parts that we don't see on the shelves, but that you work a lot on.G: In reality it's very simple. In the company internally it's important to know the rules of the game for all stages, for example, what do I expect from my partner, what I expect from a colleague, how we as a company want to communicate outwards and how we explain that to baristas. We have invested a lot of time and work in various internal materials, one of them is “The Handbook of Kalve's Values”, where we have stipulated various things, for example, how the brand communicates with a person, the brand being the product and me as a company representative, and the barista, and any product we choose to sell in addition to coffee. How the brand communicates with environment. How we as people should communicate with our clients, our partners, our friends etc. And the other material, which is very good and serves as a bible that should from time to time be read by everyone within the company, is “Ethical Guidelines”. It includes various situations where we have described how we want our clients to be communicated with.M: It think it's very cool that you have done that. Your company is young, and such things often are done only when you are starting to drown, when the company has grown and you realize that you can no longer hold the team in line. You have done it at the very beginning, by writing down your principles as a founder, so afterwards it's easier to scale them and grow bigger. You mentioned the easier route… I have one more question about this topic. Even though you're not a tech start-up, you are trying to implement many things from this field in your daily life. You mentioned KPI, you have talked about the Lean methodology, which normally is language used by tech start-ups. Tell me how you implement it in your daily life and what it means to you.G: A person close to me keeps saying that you should develop a lazy person within yourself, which means you have to arrange your work environment and all systems in a way that actually makes you effective, so that you save time, you save money and resources etc. Lean methodology is one of the methods used in production; I don't think you have to look up what it is. And KPI is a method that helps you find the weak links and work on them.M: A while after founding the roastery, you opened your first coffee shop on Stabu Street. What was the idea behind this coffee shop? Was it marketing? What was the idea then and what is it now?G: If I'm being honest, the expectations weren't great. We knew we wanted to open a cool coffee shop where we ourselves would like to work. The idea was to show how we see a modern, worldly, high-quality, easily accessible café. This is the easiest way to receive feedback from the client, because it's not only a café, but also a store. The barista is able to talk to people, ask what they liked and what they didn't, understand how many people return, how many come once and don't return. It's a platform on which we can measure many different things with our product.M: You talked about things that shouldn't be rushed. You even started your company gradually and deliberately. You said there were no big investments. If I'm correct, you started with a 60 000 starting capital, which isn't a lot for a producing company. There were no big investments from the outside, which means slower growth, but that was a deliberate decision.G: You can quite easily attract certain investments to such a concept as ours, but the question is whether you should. Big investments quite often put you in a losing position, and you lose certain ability to manoeuvre. Whereas, if you grow more slowly, you are able to adapt to the market. If we had invested thrice as much money, would we be able to pay all of it now? Most likely not. Everything has to happen little by little.M: At the beginning of our conversation you mentioned sustainability as one of the main pillars you based your company on. You see that there is a demand for these things, people are willing to pay a little more for a sustainable product.G: Quite often, if you want to change something in your life so that it's in line with the sustainability principles, it most likely requires some changes, and people are lazy when it comes to that. On our part, we actually created a system regarding packaging that works really well, it was really important for us that this packaging differs from anything else on the market and that we combine it with certain sustainability principles. For example, if we look at standard coffee packaging - it's produced from two materials, therefore it doesn't comply with sustainability principles. There are two materials, you can't separate the waste, it means you can't produce it from recycled plastics, so we ended up with this can. A lot of people use the opportunity to refill these packages. The idea is that if you buy a can at our store and pay 10 euros, you can come back and refill it for 6 euros. The idea was not to increase the price so that this sustainable product gets going, but the opposite. We need to create a system based on sustainability principles that makes it easier for people to change their habits. They see they can save 4 euros, which, considering their consumption, would be around 100 euros per year, so they do it. The design-based thinking is not only reflected in the product, but in our every step – how we choose premises, how we furnish the bathroom so that moms can change their babies etc. I think that what separates successful people or companies from less successful ones is decision-making, how successful you are at making certain decisions at a certain time. If we talk about design… my side of the company is the business management side, Raimonds oversees the coffee where I don't even intervene, and Jānis oversees the design side, not only the product, but a wider, strategic design. But when it comes to big, important decisions, we make them together, not separately. I think it's the right way to make a better decision.M: How do people see this small coffee roastery from an even smaller country that's not Italy and is not known for coffee? What's the reaction when such good coffee suddenly comes from this world region?G: I think it's important to set very high goals, set a high bar at the very beginning. Big ambitions in a good sense, but then it's important to check whether you can attain them. It's really bad if you have big ambitions that you can't attain, or vice versa - you have the ability that you can't actualize because your ambitions are too low.M: Then I wish you success in actualizing these ambitions step by step and may your every morning start with a good coffee!Gatis Zēmanis:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gatis-zemanis-25836073/?originalSubdomain=lv--Subscribe to Asketic Podcast on:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/73QSMYK46NHoHCytJYYmPZ?si=Mw4ZLISUSoueh9Es1pCLUgApple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/lv/podcast/asketic-podcast/id1496922775YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQdekksSROS4PCxRV7aqT3QGoogle Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2Fza2V0aWMtcG9kY2FzdA--Asketic design & branding:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asketicstudio/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asketic/WWW: http://asketic.com/

The Athletic's Aaron Suttles answers subscriber questions! If you aren't a subscriber to The Athletic go to www.theathletic.com/grits & sign up for $1 a month to submit a question and get everything The Athletic has to offer. Questions: Will LSU fire Bo Pelini if the Tigers defense continues to struggle? What should Georgia fans takeaway from a close loss at Alabama? What is the ceiling for Texas A&M? How bright is their future? Plus, Aaron goes Inside the Crimson Tide! Follow Aaron on twitter @AaronSuttles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doctor TK is a big advocate for time management and productivity. She has been implementing these strategies with all of her clients on therapy, thinking that they may not be able to follow through on their homework activities if they do not carve out time to take their mental health seriously. She has also applied them to her clients on the coaching side to help them progress in their business. However, she has observed some of them still struggling and reconsidering their goals. When we change our mind too much, we hinder ourselves in achieving our goal, whether it may be a short or a long term one. In today's minisode, we will learn about the acronym T.I.ME. Find out more as Doctor TK shares to us how we can get control of our mindset and result in getting things done. Podcast Goals:Learn to carve out time with the use of a timerMotivate yourself by setting intentional goals dailyKnow the difference between Intentional Goal and TO-DO listFind out ways to minimize distractionsDetermine the right mindset to execute your tasks daily and adapt a no-matter attitude Minisode Timeline: [00:45] Introduction to the acronym of T.I.M.E[01:45] “T” | How can a timer help us in carving out time?[02:48] “I” | How important is it to set intentional goals daily?[03:30] Why do we need to set goals daily?[03:55] Difference between “Intentional Goal” vs “TO-DO list”[4:21] “M” | How can we minimize distractions?[06:30] “E” | How can we execute our tasks daily and adapt a no-matter attitude?[06:40] The impact of a positive or a negative thought upon waking up[07:42] Minisode recap[8:13] Overview on the Branding 4 Abundance workbook[9:10] Interact with Doctor TK on social media Resources Mentioned:Episode 35 - F.O.C.U.SEpisode 37 - IntentionalBranding 4 Abundance workbookJoin The Dope Therapist Tribe Waitlist Connect:Find | Doctor TKOn Instagram: @DoctorTKPsychOn Facebook: @DoctorTKPsychOn Pinterest: @DoctorTKPsychOn Youtube: @Doctor TK SUBSCRIBE & RATEOn Apple Podcasts On Google Podcast Connect: Find | Doctor TK On Instagram: instagram.com/doctortkpsych On Facebook: facebook.com/DoctorTKPsych On Pinterest: pinterest.com/DoctorTKPsych On Youtube: youtube.com/c/DoctorTK SUBSCRIBE & RATE On Apple Podcast On Google Podcasts On Spotify

 Doctor TK is a big advocate for time management and productivity. She has been implementing these strategies with all of her clients on therapy, thinking that they may not be able to follow through on their homework activities if they do not carve out time to take their mental health seriously.  She has also applied them to her clients on the coaching side to help them progress in their business. However, she has observed some of them still struggling and reconsidering their goals. When we change our mind too much, we hinder ourselves in achieving our goal, whether it may be a short or a long term one. In today's minisode, we will learn about the acronym T.I.ME. Find out more as Doctor TK shares to us how we can get control of our mindset and result in getting things done. Podcast Goals:Learn to carve out time with the use of a timerMotivate yourself by setting intentional goals dailyKnow the difference between Intentional Goal and TO-DO listFind out ways to minimize distractionsDetermine the right mindset to execute your tasks daily and adapt a no-matter attitude Minisode Timeline: [00:45] Introduction to the acronym of T.I.M.E[01:45] “T” | How can a timer help us in carving out time?[02:48] “I” | How important is it to set intentional goals daily?[03:30] Why do we need to set goals daily?[03:55] Difference between “Intentional Goal” vs “TO-DO list”[4:21] “M” | How can we minimize distractions?[06:30] “E” | How can we execute our tasks daily and adapt a no-matter attitude?[06:40] The impact of a positive or a negative thought upon waking up[07:42] Minisode recap[8:13] Overview on the Branding 4 Abundance workbook[9:10] Interact with Doctor TK on social media   Resources Mentioned:Episode 35 - F.O.C.U.SEpisode 37 - IntentionalBranding 4 Abundance workbookJoin The Dope Therapist Tribe Waitlist  Connect:Find | Doctor TKOn Instagram: @DoctorTKPsychOn Facebook: @DoctorTKPsychOn Pinterest: @DoctorTKPsychOn Youtube: @Doctor TK SUBSCRIBE & RATEOn Apple Podcasts On Google Podcast 

Doctor TK is a big advocate for time management and productivity. She has been implementing these strategies with all of her clients on therapy, thinking that they may not be able to follow through on their homework activities if they do not carve out time to take their mental health seriously. She has also applied them to her clients on the coaching side to help them progress in their business. However, she has observed some of them still struggling and reconsidering their goals. When we change our mind too much, we hinder ourselves in achieving our goal, whether it may be a short or a long term one. In today's minisode, we will learn about the acronym T.I.ME. Find out more as Doctor TK shares to us how we can get control of our mindset and result in getting things done. Podcast Goals: Learn to carve out time with the use of a timer Motivate yourself by setting intentional goals daily Know the difference between Intentional Goal and TO-DO list Find out ways to minimize distractions Determine the right mindset to execute your tasks daily and adapt a no-matter attitude Minisode Timeline: [00:45] Introduction to the acronym of T.I.M.E [01:45] “T” | How can a timer help us in carving out time? [02:48] “I” | How important is it to set intentional goals daily? [03:30] Why do we need to set goals daily? [03:55] Difference between “Intentional Goal” vs “TO-DO list” [4:21] “M” | How can we minimize distractions? [06:30] “E” | How can we execute our tasks daily and adapt a no-matter attitude? [06:40] The impact of a positive or a negative thought upon waking up [07:42] Minisode recap [8:13] Overview on the Branding 4 Abundance workbook [9:10] Interact with Doctor TK on social media Resources Mentioned: Episode 35 - F.O.C.U.S Episode 37 - Intentional Branding 4 Abundance workbook Join The Dope Therapist Tribe Waitlist Connect: Find | Doctor TK On Instagram: @DoctorTKPsych On Facebook: @DoctorTKPsych On Pinterest: @DoctorTKPsych On Youtube: @Doctor TK SUBSCRIBE & RATE On Apple Podcasts On Google Podcast

 Doctor TK is a big advocate for time management and productivity. She has been implementing these strategies with all of her clients on therapy, thinking that they may not be able to follow through on their homework activities if they do not carve out time to take their mental health seriously.  She has also applied them to her clients on the coaching side to help them progress in their business. However, she has observed some of them still struggling and reconsidering their goals. When we change our mind too much, we hinder ourselves in achieving our goal, whether it may be a short or a long term one. In today’s minisode, we will learn about the acronym T.I.ME. Find out more as Doctor TK shares to us how we can get control of our mindset and result in getting things done. Podcast Goals:Learn to carve out time with the use of a timerMotivate yourself by setting intentional goals dailyKnow the difference between Intentional Goal and TO-DO listFind out ways to minimize distractionsDetermine the right mindset to execute your tasks daily and adapt a no-matter attitude Minisode Timeline: [00:45] Introduction to the acronym of T.I.M.E[01:45] “T” | How can a timer help us in carving out time?[02:48] “I” | How important is it to set intentional goals daily?[03:30] Why do we need to set goals daily?[03:55] Difference between “Intentional Goal” vs “TO-DO list”[4:21] “M” | How can we minimize distractions?[06:30] “E” | How can we execute our tasks daily and adapt a no-matter attitude?[06:40] The impact of a positive or a negative thought upon waking up[07:42] Minisode recap[8:13] Overview on the Branding 4 Abundance workbook[9:10] Interact with Doctor TK on social media   Resources Mentioned:Episode 35 - F.O.C.U.SEpisode 37 - IntentionalBranding 4 Abundance workbookJoin The Dope Therapist Tribe Waitlist  Connect:Find | Doctor TKOn Instagram: @DoctorTKPsychOn Facebook: @DoctorTKPsychOn Pinterest: @DoctorTKPsychOn Youtube: @Doctor TK SUBSCRIBE & RATEOn Apple Podcasts On Google Podcast 

Travel To Colombia | Safety | Language | Destinations https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1533699224246-6dc3b3ed3304?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=500&q=80 Photo by Flavia Carpio on Unsplash Morning! This is Megan having a moment of out-loud truth. Colombia was never on my radar. My impressions were based on damning news cycles and comedy bits from popular sit comes like Modern Family. I thought Colombia = danger. https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560957123-1f12158888ed?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=500&q=80 Photo by Jorge Gardner on Unsplash @gardnerjorge However, that is one of the reasons I wanted to have Joni Wu on the program. I saw that she was on a trip there and immediately asked if she would like to be on the podcast. Joni has impeccable and discriminating taste. She usually travels to new destinations to research new options for her luxury seeking clients. With this in mind my impressions started to change. https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1534943441045-1009d7cb0bb9?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=500q=80 Photo credit Ricardo Gomez Angel @ripato on Unsplash Right away, we talk safety and the locals deep regrets that "danger" is the impression tourists might have about their country. After interviewing Joni I have to admit a great curiosity about Colombia and putting it on my list. Post Covid-19 travel restrictions being lifted I want to go to Colombia. After we move back to the United States it will be in easy striking distance! In the show notes you will find the Colombia Board of tourism's website. It is a great resource and will give you a great idea of different climates, geography, national events and THE FOOD or Colombia. They also have great videos to wet your travel appetite. Forth coming will be Joni's show notes for the topics discussed on this episodes. Notes Prepared By Joni Wu: M: If people want to find you online where can they find you? ASTA: https://www.travelsense.org/advisors/joni-wu/ LUXE: https://www.luxetm.com/travel-experts/z4ujr3fj4w257eqy5y2uvt24y04xz2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonigwu/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/joni.wu My blog www.tofeelalive.com M: Where are we going today? J: Colombia! It was the last trip I went on before everything shut down. I got back March 4th and was self-quarantining the week after. M: Why? J: It’s one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. One list had it ranked #2 with only Brazil above it and Indonesia with all of its many islands at #3. Easy to get to with direct flights from a number of major US hubs. M: Let’s get some basics covered quickly. What language skills does a person need in order to navigate in Colombia? J: Spanish speaking country so it’s similar to traveling in most non-English speaking countries but most working in tourism speak English. M: How about currency and money? Do travelers need cash or cards? J: Cards are widely accepted but you’ll want to have cash on hand for things like souvenirs and snacks from small vendors and generally any smaller purchases. Currency is Colombian peso which is different than Mexican peso. Some vendors will accept US dollars but you might get a lower exchange rate and if you only have larger bills, you’ll receive the difference in Col pesos or they may not accept it. M: Are there safety concerns? J: People always ask that due to all the media around drug trade and understandably so. But the country has done a great job of cleaning that up and making it very safe to travel. Of course there’s your standard crime that’s prevalent in all big cities and tourist destinations so you’ll want to be aware of your surroundings but nothing crazy. There are some remote areas where the drug cartels still have operations but those aren’t any places a tourist would make their way to and as advisors, we rely on local tour operators who are very familiar with where to avoid. M: You specialize in luxury travel? I was surprise to see you in Colombia. IS this a destination for the luxury traveler? J: Yes! Although it is popular with backpackers and budget travelers due to the value we talked about, there are so many great offerings for the luxury traveler! And everyone loves a good value! In popular tourist spots, you have luxury hotels and dining as we mentioned. For those wanting to get out of the tourist destinations, there are small luxury lodges and private villas. Also private drivers/guides/naturalists, activities like diving in the Caribbean and exclusively curated experiences for any interest like an avid bird watcher as Colombia has the most species of birds in the world. M: The exchange rate is pretty favorable for US travelers. Can you talk about the value travelers will experience choosing Colombia? J: In addition to exchange rate, everything is quite inexpensive compared to US standards. They earn much lower wages so things are priced accordingly. And since they receive tourists from all over, including other South and Central American countries, they don’t price gauge towards high wage Westerners as much as some destinations do. For example, you can stay at 5-star International brand city center hotel in Bogota for $300 a night whereas similar accommodations would easily double that in another capital city like Mexico City for example. And you can have a Michelin quality dining experience with wine for under $30 p/p M: Let’s start in Bogota. What can people expect from this city? J: It’s the capital city so there’s the usual – a big square with old buildings, a downtown, great dining, nightlife, museums, shopping. The Gold Museum is a big attraction and it had a lot of artifacts but I’m not a museum person. National museums are free in Colombia! There’s also a big public market which is something I love to do when I travel. It’s also known for graffiti street art with murals all over the city and you can do a self-led walking tour or go on a guided one. We had the opportunity to learn how to do graffiti art with a local artist which. Some of us did better than others, mine was hideous but it was a cool experience. One of the best experiences was playing Tejo. They joke that it’s their national sport since they don’t really have one. But it’s basically a game where you throw these metal pucks at a mud clay board and try to get it stuck. If you hit one of the explosive triangles, it makes a loud noise and everyone screams and loses their mind. It’s kind of like horseshoes or cornhole but way more fun and everyone drinks beer while they play. What I wasn’t expecting was how cold it would be! I thought Colombia was tropical weather all over but Bogota is actually a plateau in the Andes at 8600ft elevation which means it’s chilly year round, average around 60s. M: Let’s move to Cartagena on the coast. Is this a traditional port town or more of a resort and sun bathing spot? J: It’s totally a colonial port town. The Old Town is walled and definitely the place to stay if you’re only staying a short time since everything is walkable. You only need a day or two to explore Cartagena but I could stay there for weeks just hanging out. There’s nightlife, dining, and what makes it special is that traveler’s vibe driven in part by tourism and a digital nomad community since cost of living is low but has a lot to offer. It kind of reminds me of a Bali before it became as mainstream. There’s a misconception that it’s a beach town. It’s on the Caribbean coast, the weather is hot and humid, and there is a beach but it’s not great to look at. For a nice beach, there are and day trips out to Baru, accessible by land and boat, and nearby Rosario islands which are so stunning. For beach/view lovers with the budget, I’d recommend staying a couple of nights at Las Islas in Baru which is part of Leading Hotels and it’s amazing. All the rooms are individual bungalows, either as a treetop or seafront. You can even swim to breakfast (which is included in the rates). And they have a private island in the Rosario islands that you can take a 5 minute boat ride over to and spend the day relaxing there. Anything I say won’t do it justice so I’ll make a Instagram post on it with photos so you guys can see what I mean. M: Now tell me about this “Gringo trail”..? J: It’s like the popular path that Westerners stay within and includes Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin, and the coffee region near Salento. Colombian coffee is some of the most prized in the world so they’ve done a good job promoting tourism to visit the coffee farms, do tastings, see small towns, and explore nature. On the Caribbean side, other places like Santa Marta, the island of San Andres, Barranquilla (famous in Colombia for their Carnival celebration), and Tayrona National Park are included in the “Gringo Trail” but much less known to American travelers. M: Can we talk about some of the less traveled places in Colombia? These type of places will be high on peoples to-do lists… if they can get there. Let’s start with Tayrona Nation Park J: I’m dying to go to Tayrona. If I had known about it prior, I would’ve extended my trip make it there. It has beautiful Caribbean waters on one side, and tropical mountain on the other. That landscape is a dream. Google image it and you’ll know what I mean. Also on the Caribbean side for the adventurous, there’s a 30-mile trek to the Lost City that starts with a 2-hour car ride from the beach resort town of Santa Marta. Then you trek for several days to get to the Lost City which are ruins older than Machu Picchu. I hear that trek is just magical and walking is the only way to get to the ruins. But it’s not for the faint of heart as you are in a jungle and there are only very basic camping/bunk lodging along the route. Like the Inca Trail, you have to go with a licensed guide. G Adventures offers it. M: Are there other places to visit outside of the Gringo Trail? J: There are so many places to go! Colombia is one of the most biodiverse places. There are many remote places welcoming tourists – you can visit the Amazon! I don’t think the infrastructure is quite ready for luxury clients to the Amazon but there other remote options with luxury accommodations. As travel advisors, we use local tour operators that know where to go and can curate experiences to client’s preferences. M: Let’s go glamping! Tell us where we can clamp among some spectacular flora and fauna J: I learned about this place called El Nido Condor Ecolodge in the Andes and it looks incredible. You’re in luxury glamping huts on the edge of a cliff and the condors nest is right under you so you see them flying out from your room. I’m not even into bird watching but it’s a bird watchers paradise. There’s also hiking and biking tours, star gazing, and night treks. There’s also a luxury glamping called Corocora owned by Galavanta, a luxury DMC part of Virtuoso. It’s like a safari with wildlife drives, canoeing, Colombia cowboy experiences. All are eco-friendly. M: Lastly, because I know you are adventurous - did you eat anything super adventurous on your trip? J: Most of the cuisine I’ve had before but prepared in local ways which were new to me like amazing arepas and Caribbean inspired flavors. We did an exotic fruit tasting which was really cool because I did get to try a lot of fruit that I never had before, many of which come from the Amazon. Special Guest: Joni Wu.

The eleventh Heisei Era Kamen Rider, Kamen Rider W, graced Japanese TV screens eleven years ago. Now, Tyler will guide Mike through the series as we watch and recap each and every episode (and maybe even a movie or two). Hear Mike's first impressions and Tyler's thoughts on every episode after a fresh viewing. In this episode, we investigate the mysterious secret underground casino, known as the Million Colloseo, and learn the consequences of gambling your life away. Philip has some hang-ups over the word "family" and there's not only one Dopant, but two! Don't miss out when we cover Kamen Rider W Episode 3: "Don't Touch the M/ How to Get to Heaven" Thanks for listening. Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to our feed. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RiderDiePodcast Follow us on Anchor at https://anchor.fm/rider-die Follow Mike on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mikemixtape Follow Tyler on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TylerTylerims --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rider-die/message

On this week's episode, I speak with Ross Simonds, the CEO and Digital Marketing Strategist at Foundation Marketing. Ross is an extremely active entrepreneur and has numerous side projects including Hustle and Grind. We discuss why content strategy doesn't stop when you hit "publish", how distribution is a "game-changer" for any type of content, and the future of social media. Episode Highlights: Ross's current projects and ventures.Ross's background and journey into the marketing sphere.How blogging drives growth in building a brand.Biggest differences between building a brand now and when Ross first started.Game-changing content distribution tips for marketers.The time-frame for "optimal growth" after publishing content.Common misconceptions around content distribution.Examples of great content distribution strategies.The "Sherlock-Homeboy" effect.Advice for creating content to build a successful brand.The importance of experimentation in creating content.Key failures to learn from when creating content.Types of content that generate the greatest potential ROI.The hardest platform to currently have the biggest impact.The next "big thing" in social media.Podcasting: a strategic platform for the future.Predictions on fading social media platforms.Video: The future of content for all channelsSteps to take for landing speaking engagements.Tips on creating great presentation topics.Keys to juggling multiple ventures at the same time.C.R.E.A.M: How things get done.Ross' "call-to-action" on content strategy. 3 Key Points: Distribution of content is just as important as the creation of content.Focusing on creating content that withstands the test of time.Listen and be aware of trends in social media and create and distribute content based on those trends. Quotes: "Oftentimes we get caught up in the idea that once we press publish on a piece of content I've succeeded... but in reality, that's when the livelihood of your article really begins." - Ross Simonds"Distribution is, without question, the most underrated element of the content marketing process." - Ross Simonds"If you are creating content that's reaching masses, you have the ability to shape the way that they view their world." - Ross Simonds"Spend as much time distributing your content as you did, creating it." - Ross Simonds Resources Mentioned: Ross Simonds WebsiteRoss Simonds on TwitterRoss’ “85 Distribution Tips” Guide

Download MP3 ８月は、前半の２週間は「アメリカ★は愉快だ」、後半の２週間は恒例の「超濃縮！やさしい英語会話」をお届けします。 留学開始からひと月が経ち、MomoはHiroの住む留学生会館を訪問します。そこでのHiroの暮らしぶりは…？ 「アメリカ★は愉快だ」は、英語は上達したいけど少し苦手…という方々を対象にしたシリーズです。シャドウイングの練習もありますので、しっかり聞いて、しっかり声に出して練習してみましょう。 　 *** Script *** 9: International House (Hiro and Momo) M: Momo! We’ve been in Reno for a month and you’re only just now visiting my house? W: I know, I know, sorry. I’ve been busy… Whoa, you live in a nice house! Lots more room than the dorms, that’s for sure. M: How is living in the dorms, anyway? W: It’s not too bad. My roommate is really nice, I think… She’s always at her boyfriend’s, so I don’t really know her too well. So it feels a little bit like living alone. I’ve made friends with some of my neighbors, though. M: That’s great! W: How about you? Do you like living in the Boys’ International House? M: Oh, yeah! Sometimes It’s kind of wild, though. You should see how messy the house gets after a party… It’s nothing like the get-togethers back in Japan. W: I agree-- I went to a frat party last weekend and it was crazy! (Written by Jazmin Boulton)

Download MP3 ８月は、前半の２週間は「アメリカ★は愉快だ」、後半の２週間は恒例の「超濃縮！やさしい英語会話」をお届けします。 留学開始からひと月が経ち、MomoはHiroの住む留学生会館を訪問します。そこでのHiroの暮らしぶりは…？ 「アメリカ★は愉快だ」は、英語は上達したいけど少し苦手…という方々を対象にしたシリーズです。シャドウイングの練習もありますので、しっかり聞いて、しっかり声に出して練習してみましょう。 　 *** Script *** 9: International House (Hiro and Momo) M: Momo! We’ve been in Reno for a month and you’re only just now visiting my house? W: I know, I know, sorry. I’ve been busy… Whoa, you live in a nice house! Lots more room than the dorms, that’s for sure. M: How is living in the dorms, anyway? W: It’s not too bad. My roommate is really nice, I think… She’s always at her boyfriend’s, so I don’t really know her too well. So it feels a little bit like living alone. I’ve made friends with some of my neighbors, though. M: That’s great! W: How about you? Do you like living in the Boys’ International House? M: Oh, yeah! Sometimes It’s kind of wild, though. You should see how messy the house gets after a party… It’s nothing like the get-togethers back in Japan. W: I agree-- I went to a frat party last weekend and it was crazy! (Written by Jazmin Boulton)

Download MP3 来月は七夕の月。これにちなみ、星座の登場人物にまつわるお話をお届けします。オリオンとアルテミスと言えば、ギリシャ神話では恋人同士ですが…。 　*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） be tricked はめられる malicious 邪（よこしま）な、悪意のある assassinate 暗殺する silhouette シルエット（発音注意） darn ロクでもない colossal 巨大な emphasize 強調する rough hair ぼさぼさの髪 WHY would you...? どうして…なんてことをしたんだ。 ※話者の怒りが込められた表現。 for god's sake いったいぜんたい dare 人 to do 人に〜してみろと挑む Enough of your absurd excuses! 苦しい弁解はもういいよ。 My anger towards you is unending, as infinite as the stars! 私の怒りは星のように永遠だ！ (a) constellation 星座 Betelgeuse and Rigel ベテルギウス星とリゲル星 Finnish sauna フィンランド式のサウナ *** Script *** Tanabata and the Story of Orion and Artemis W: Orion, we’ve finally met! I've missed you all the time! M: Artemis! You killed me! You shot my head with your arrow! To be honest, it really hurt!! W: I’m truly sorry, Orion. I was tricked by my malicious brother, Apollo. M: HOW could you be tricked by your brother and assassinate me? I’ll never forgive you! W: He hid your silhouette with his darn sunshine! I didn't think it was your head floating on the ocean! It looked like a colossal moving rock. M: So now you're trying to emphasize that my head looks like a rock? Sorry for having some rough hair! I should have taken care of it with some better hair treatments! Well, WHY would you shoot a moving rock, for god's sake? W: Because Apollo dared me to show whether I could hit a moving object... M: Enough of your absurd excuses! My anger towards you is unending, as infinite as the stars! W: Hey, at least I made you into a constellation! All humans LOVE to see the constellation Orion! You shine bright in the sky! M: Ah! You don't know how HOT Betelgeuse and Rigel are! I feel like I’m having a daily Finnish sauna! W: But still, your name will be remembered, and your tale will be told by everyone forever and ever! You can thank me! M: Oh, my god... W: Yes. I AM a goddess, by the way! (Written by Kyoung Jo)

Download MP3 来月は七夕の月。これにちなみ、星座の登場人物にまつわるお話をお届けします。オリオンとアルテミスと言えば、ギリシャ神話では恋人同士ですが…。 　*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） be tricked はめられる malicious 邪（よこしま）な、悪意のある assassinate 暗殺する silhouette シルエット（発音注意） darn ロクでもない colossal 巨大な emphasize 強調する rough hair ぼさぼさの髪 WHY would you...? どうして…なんてことをしたんだ。 ※話者の怒りが込められた表現。 for god's sake いったいぜんたい dare 人 to do 人に〜してみろと挑む Enough of your absurd excuses! 苦しい弁解はもういいよ。 My anger towards you is unending, as infinite as the stars! 私の怒りは星のように永遠だ！ (a) constellation 星座 Betelgeuse and Rigel ベテルギウス星とリゲル星 Finnish sauna フィンランド式のサウナ *** Script *** Tanabata and the Story of Orion and Artemis W: Orion, we’ve finally met! I've missed you all the time! M: Artemis! You killed me! You shot my head with your arrow! To be honest, it really hurt!! W: I’m truly sorry, Orion. I was tricked by my malicious brother, Apollo. M: HOW could you be tricked by your brother and assassinate me? I’ll never forgive you! W: He hid your silhouette with his darn sunshine! I didn't think it was your head floating on the ocean! It looked like a colossal moving rock. M: So now you're trying to emphasize that my head looks like a rock? Sorry for having some rough hair! I should have taken care of it with some better hair treatments! Well, WHY would you shoot a moving rock, for god's sake? W: Because Apollo dared me to show whether I could hit a moving object... M: Enough of your absurd excuses! My anger towards you is unending, as infinite as the stars! W: Hey, at least I made you into a constellation! All humans LOVE to see the constellation Orion! You shine bright in the sky! M: Ah! You don't know how HOT Betelgeuse and Rigel are! I feel like I’m having a daily Finnish sauna! W: But still, your name will be remembered, and your tale will be told by everyone forever and ever! You can thank me! M: Oh, my god... W: Yes. I AM a goddess, by the way! (Written by Kyoung Jo)

Guest Information:   Name: Bridgette Kelch, Main Street Director Organization: Downtown Washington, Inc. Website: https://www.downtownwashmo.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downtownwashmo Twitter: https://twitter.com/downtownwashmo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtownwashmo/   Visit the Meet Me Downtown Podcast Website: https://www.meetmedowntownpodcast.com/ Show Transcript:  M=Megan Tsui B=Bridgette Kelch M: Hello, in this episode I talk to Bridgette Kelch from Washington, Missouri. She’s been their Main Street Director for over 18 years and they’ve done some pretty amazing things in that time. I recorded our pre-interview and it was so great that I just converted it into a real episode so we jump right in where I’m learning more about Bridgette and her downtown. M: But yeah, such a fun job, and you’ve been in it a long time. B: Yeah, sometimes I wonder, too long? But no. But I started right out of college so I’ll be 41 this month, but I’ve been here since I was 22. M: Wow, you are dedicated. B: Well, you know, I didn’t expect to be here but my passion is historic preservation so that’s what my degree is in. And I really thought I was going to work in a museum and now I kind of just view downtown as a big giant outdoor museum. M: It kind of is, I mean in a lot of towns it actually could be. B: Yeah and so then I liked it and I stayed and yeah we’ve grown a ton in that time frame. So starting out of, this year is 30 years for the organization, that we’ve been doing Main Street. We were a pilot program for Missouri in 1989. So I kind of always joke that they got through the really hard years you know, where you’re like struggling to find out who you are, what you’re going to do. And it was so hard when I started, I mean we were still playing the game of someone needs to pay their pledge so we can make payroll and those kinds of games. But yeah we’re past those points now, hopefully, so it’s exciting. We’ve been able to take on some pretty big projects. I think that’s one of the things that I’m most proud of, you know, we couldn’t find somebody to do what we wanted we did it ourselves. M: Right. I’m very intrigued by the idea that you guys own and operate the post office and a B&B. B: It was never planned, you know. M: It never is. B: Yeah it just came along, so I would say the majority of our growth has come since 2006. I started in 01, which is funny because that’s like right before the recession you know and we didn't feel that as much. I mean we certainly did feel it. But I don't think it's such big, you know such large swings in the Midwest. I think just by nature we're a more conservative bunch and so we don't feel those giant swings as much. And I could be wrong but that's how I view it. So 2006 you know we didn't really have a state program before that. And I mean there was one, I think I met the other managers or executive directors like once or twice and I really met a dynamic one and her name was Gayla Roten from Branson, Missouri and she kind of took me under her wing. And then as the years rolled by, you know in 05, and we decided to start our own state program because we needed it. And so our statewide program, coordinating program, was started by the executive directors that were left standing. The state booted the program basically and so now you know she's our state director. She was just a local director and now she's our state director. I think we're in our 11th, no 12th year, yeah 12th year. And so I still serve on that state board and so I think you know getting involved at that level and then really just the folks that were doing Main Street in Missouri at that time, they were really following the rules and so that was the culture that I was kind of brought up in. And so we really embraced the four points and in 2006 was a big change for us was that we finally were reviewed for accreditation again and they had a National Main Street Center person on site and we thought we were doing great and we didn't get accredited that year. M: Oh no. B: And if for very good reasons. Of course, at the time I was really mad and upset and Gayla and I both cried over it but I think it was really kind of that spark that we needed to say, "OK let's look at ourselves. You know we've got to fix this." And then we really just started to fly and one of the biggest things was our board president at the time, he just took a huge stance and said, "Training, we have to go and attend training. And it can't just be the executive director going to these trainings and trying to come back and share it with us. We need a new initiative ourselves and go attend training." And so that was something that we put into a board contract, Kathy La Plante helped us with that. And we move forward and then around that time there was a building that had been owned by the city, that was owned by the chamber, and that was back in the city’s hands. And the Mayor is like, “we need to tear that down, so there’s more parking for the Catholic church.” You know small towns. M: Oh, that sounds so familiar. That’s like right here, right now. B: And so I don’t know how it happened, but it was after, I think it was around the time that the National Main Street, I still call it the National Town Meeting, whatever they call it now; the conference, was in Cincinnati and so they have it, we're a very German cultured area and one of my designs here had been on that, had gone to that national meeting and he just loved all their farmers markets and their over the Rhine area. And so he's like, "you know we could do something with that building." So he literally that day, you hear this but it's true, we sketched it on a napkin, because he's set up the napkin and it's framed and he went to the chamber and he said to the chamber exec and he's like, "What do you think?" Because our farmer's market wasn't downtown at that time, it was actually out in our fairgrounds, and so he convinced the chamber exec. The chamber exec didn't ever understand why all this didn't work well together. He's like, "I don't understand why you know we all don't work together." I'm like I don't know. I just know for some reason that it's Rob with us and the city and I you know, I came in you know being born and raised here but not understanding the politics. So I think that was best of all old wounds you know. And so he really made a concerted effort he said, "you know if all three of us work on things together we're pretty unstoppable." And I was young and that and I was like, "yeah sure you know bring me along for the ride."And so long story short somehow though my design chair and the Chamber exec convinced the mayor this was a good idea, that it was a joint project so we all were like well. So the city owned the property, it's our second oldest building on Main Street. And we did it together we turned it into a farmer's market and a civic Pavilion. So you have this 1856 building that was in atrocious shape. We did you know, we did put a pavilion around it so that wasn't staying exactly true to it, but it was a compromise you know for it to live long a longer life. And so it became our weekend farmer's market meets there and all the special events are out of there and now people get married and do all kinds of fun things under that. It's really an anchor on one side of our downtown. And so the city put in 250 in kind and work and 250 in cash and the Chamber put in like 220 in cash, which is basically almost their whole savings. And we had no money, like nothing. So we wrote a grant to our, it's called Neighborhood Assistance Program it's something I think is specific to Missouri, but we were able to get approved and then we sold, basically sold tax credits and that's how we got our $250,000. And so as you know within kind of work it was definitely a million dollar project. And I say that and it's still not lost on me that that is a huge project. If you would have told me before that I would have said no we're too little, no we can't do that. And we did it, at the end of the day no one wanted to own the property and so we were like we'll own it. So we own the property and we lease the first level back to the city so they maintain the public restrooms and the event space when someone rents it. And then there's a second and third floor and we kind of just mothball that and I'll go faster if I talk too long. There's kind of five projects that I'll roll out of it. So we mothball that second and third floor even though we know it's time. We're always saying redevelop your second and third floor for residential and we're like we're sitting on ours for the time being. At that time, our office is located in the oldest unique structure in the area, which is an 1834 log cabin and that's where our office had been since the mid 90s. Kind of you know, fun things in the Main Street world, that you know when the toilet water froze we got a day off. So a great building. So we're kind of rolling along and a few years later we kind of start here rumblings from the postal service that you know, we have a long history with the Postal Service. They initially tried in the 90s to close our downtown location and so saying it wasn't big enough for all the mail sorting and everything and so the town actually had banded together in the mid 90s and secured the property on either side and said This property is available we'll even help you buy it if you just stay downtown. And the Postal Service was like oh I guess these people are serious. Well we'll leave you have this one open but we're going to go ahead and open one on the highway. So a town of less than 15,000 and we had two post offices. So we kind of knew that you know the writing was going to eventually be on the wall that we would have to do something and that was about you know 2008 is when we started hearing those rumblings. And the new postmaster came in, he's directed to close the downtown location and sell it. And then just consolidate operations out on the highway. So he let us know, and so we said OK what if we buy the building and then you can just rent from us and we'll do stuff with the other parts of the building and they're like no. And we're like OK well if you stay for free and we'll renovate the building, you stay for free and then we'll do stuff with the other part of the building, we'll take care of all the maintenance and everything. There's 700 P.O. boxes here and while they're not all always rented at the same time, that was a lot of foot traffic and this would be the first piece of government that would have left the downtown district. City hall is still here, Police, DMV you know all that is still downtown. And we just really thought we don't want to let this post office go because then it would make it easier to say oh we're going to move the police station out here and City Hall. And as we've seen happen you know hundreds of times. And so we really kind of drew a line in the sand and they said, "Well we're not going to stay in this building in any shape or form. So why don't you buy the building, you renovate it and you run the downtown post office" and of course we had no idea that was even possible but it's called a contract Postal Unit. Some of them these days are called Village Post Offices VPO or CPU. So like how it works is that you know we are just like a regular post office. We sell the stamps for the same price. We ship packages just like they do. We don't do some of the ancillary services like bulk mail but we get a percentage. So the Post Office pays us nothing except the percentage of postage stamps that we sell and packages that we ship. So we get 10 percent. We always looked at it, we just wanted it to break even and if it made money that would be exciting. M: So I’m assuming you have to staff this? B: Yeah absolutely. Yeah. So yes. So we renovated the building again with this Neighborhood Assistance Program and then just a myriad of fun and nutty different fundraisers. They don't normally allow P.O. boxes to stay. And it was because a clerk, there are seven unions in the postal service believe it or not. And you would be taking a union job by that. So because it's not normal to have P.O. boxes but that was our putting our foot down, if you take the P.O. boxes out of this location we will not, we won't do this. And they really wanted a CPU here, an additional unit. So we have been running, we renovated the building and we opened March 1st of 2011. So we've been running a post office for the last eight years and it's been going well. It definitely pays for itself. Our office has moved into the post office. So that left that little cabin vacant and so we kind of mothballed it for a while saying we'll figure out what to do with it eventually. And we're in this new beautiful building and our events coordinator, I'd already thought about this but there's always these things that push you over the edge to make you go, she had a terrible apartment and she's like "God I wish you know, I want to live downtown but it's either like so expensive I can't afford it or it's holy smokes it's scary and yucky." And so that's kind of where our residential was like opulently renovated or Holy crap I think that cockroach is as big as my cat. So we didn't have any middle ground and we were exhausted but somehow I convinced the board that we should go ahead and renovate that second and third floor back at the farmer's market. And I told them, because they were like oh we don't want to be landlords and had to collect rent and I was like well what else are you going to do. Here we are preaching to all these building owners that they need to be doing something on their second and third floor, and what are we doing. We're sitting here. Oh that's true you know. So I said, well I already have the apartments I think mostly rented and they're like really you do? And I'm like well Amy our event coordinator and they're like oh that's nice she won't do anything bad. And then I said and one of my friends who's a police officer. And I was like well I better make good on that so I took off. I did take my friend through and it was like dead pigeons up there and you know just totally a mess on the upper floors. And I was like you could imagine living here, couldn't you? He's like Oh yeah totally. I mean he was kind of being sarcastic but he did move in, him and Amy each an apartment. So we renovated that, they were physically and mentally exhausted. I had an amazing board at the time and throwing water heaters out a second-floor window and you know repairing plaster and refinishing floors. M: How did you finance that part? B: That one we did it old school loan, we went to the bank. M: Because you had equity in the building. B: So at this point we had a loan on the farm on the post office. We took out a second loan. So what we did is we actually paid full price for everything, except for the demolition work, because we said we want this to be a true case so that we can go to other property owners and say, "OK we had a second and third floor. It was a hot mess; dead pigeons, falling plaster this is what it looked like, this is what we paid. Here's the return on the investment, it's there and it's a mid-range apartment. It's not crazy opulent and it's not scary gross. It's right in the middle. And here we have you know a young professional and a police officer living there and went over so well, huge. And then you know like a year later - a couple of, no it's been more than a year, we kind of had to take a breath after that because like I said we were physically mentally and moneywise exhausted. And so just kind of truck in, keep on doing your four-point approach and all the events that we do and all this craziness. And it's like hey we still have a building, a really cool building that's sitting vacant. Our cabin. And so we start to talk about, you know in the beginning of 2013 we had no, really no B&B's. There were like two left. We have a park and we have two hotels out on the highway like a Best Western and a Super 8 and we recently got our little downtown boutique hotel opened. But as far as for someone that wanted to stay in a unique kind of a B&B setting, we just didn't have a lot. So our tourism director was like you guys should do like lodging in there and we're like what. So I was like OK this kind of sounds cool. No kidding we totally funded that whole project. We furnished the cabin off of Facebook. M: Wow B: We put a call out and said hey we think we're gonna do this, what do you think? Anybody got a bed? And so a local furniture company donated a king bed and mattresses to us. And the reason we got it is their roof had leaked and there was like one brown spot on the corner of the mattress you know. And so here we have it, and then it just kind of all came and we ended up getting like hutches that were from like founders of the community. It's crazy. So we have been running the bed and breakfast in there since the latter half of 2013. And you know we caught bed tax just like our other lodging and resubmitted to the city for our you know bed, tax and tourism and yeah we're just, we're nuts. M: And that’s staffed I assume. B: Yes, when I started they were stretching the executive. When I started in 01 there was a full time executive director and a part-time bookkeeper admin. And then the chamber kind of poached him and said Okay well you can do both. So he was part time at downtown, part time at the Chamber which freed up some funds for them to hire me. And I come in as this Project Coordinator full time. So I guess we had one full time and two part-time and then over the years we have morphed and we're short one worker right now. But if we were full force we'd have four full time one part-time. M: And what happens if someone doesn't show up for work, calls in sick. Who goes and covers at the post office, who goes and makes the beds and does the laundry? B: So we have a cleaning lady that takes care of the cabin so that which we had to. Does the laundry and everything, but we all actually, I mean I know how to do everything over there so. And there has been a case you know when the cleaning lady is on vacation and I go over and I clean it and put it back together and get it ready for the person. Everybody in the office is cross-trained, so all of us can run the post office window. There is one likely, Anna works there full time, that's her thing. You know she's 40 hours up there but you know there is some downtime so she does Main Street stuff too as far as you know mailings, but that's her main goal. But yeah so we have a new event coordinator, Cassidy, and she's been here with us since April but she had to learn how to work at the post office. That's the hardest part. It's not like it's rocket science but it's just a lot to remember. M: A lot of details I would think and you can’t screw up. B: I will say at the end of the day the last line of defense if no one else is here, Bridgette has to come in. I mean and I will and I do it. And we're open, the post office is open on Saturdays from 8 to noon. M: Everybody kind of take a Saturday and rotate it a little bit? B: No, we have someone, one of our part-time people. We said that Saturdays was a definite like that’s what you need to be here. So it's not perfect and things don't always go right but it's just how we morphed and how we are today. M: That's so fascinating and I think that you know Red Wings Downtown Main Street has been around since 1996 I believe and it was just a downtown Corporation of you know businesses that would meet and they didn't have a clear structure and they, of course, weren't a part of the Main Street program because that didn't come in until about 2010-2012. So and we were one of the first communities in the Main Street program. So we've been around a long time. And one of the things I've been feeling is that it's time for some transformational projects, it's time to think bigger and think bolder. And of course with that comes risk and comes more investments and more creative solutions on those kinds of things and so it's really fun to hear where you are now and what your organization has decided to focus on. B: And there definitely were some risks. M: Absolutely. B: I mean we sort of had to stick our necks out and we could have failed. I mean we definitely could've failed. We've had some sort of a merchant's organization, they officially incorporated in 1973. And they mostly just did promotions. So you know I mean even before that they met, there was a merchants group that met but it was funny they incorporated in 1973 and they called themselves the Downtown Washington Shopping Center. Coincidentally the year before our first shopping center opened out on our main highways. So yeah I mean we never were a slipcovered shuttered downtown and we've always been able to you know remain. I mean there were definitely some desolate days and when the tumbleweeds are rolling, we're rolling down the streets. So we didn't have a lot of, I mean we definitely had buildings that are mucked up, but not as you know, I'm always like I'll never get that big reveal where they pull off the cover and voila there's this gorgeous structure. And one of my friends who has a lot of those in her town in, Chillicothe Missouri and she's like oh shut up. M: Yeah you don't necessarily want those. You know that's such a different hard problem you know and we all have. And I think Red Wing you know the same thing. I mean we have a couple of buildings that are bank owned, that are for sale, that are priced you know in my opinion way too high for the value that you get for those. And so, but they're not in, you know they're not boarded up, they're not vandalized they just are empty. So you know but then we have really some core businesses that have been around a long long time and of course there's the session planning issues with those as we go forward. But we've been lucky to not have a lot of the challenges that other towns have. Are you as a county seat? B: No, we're not. We are the largest town in the county but we are not the county seat, the town next to us is. M: OK we're a county seat and I think that that might have a little bit to do with the stability that we've had for our downtown. But it's just fascinating and I think there's so much to learn about thinking bigger. And do you think that it was, was it a board, was it at the board level that they were open to thinking bigger. Did you have to drag them along or were they willing participants? B: I think we, actually what's funny because we've had to tell the story so many times now. And then when we all sat around, Donovan Rypkema, was in not too long ago last year or so and he wanted to know how things happened and he talked to us individually. He's like, "whenever the main street directors are in the room they can't shut up."And it's true though he interviewed them and interviewed everybody kind of separately and it was funny because the story that they told, because me if I'm excited about something then I cannot, you never wonder what I'm thinking because it's all over my face, which can be good and bad. So I go in like I could, I vividly remember the post office because I wanted to do it and I thought how am I going to convince them to do this. You know I think they're going to be scared I'll get out.And so I went in there and I was literally I was so excited I was bouncing in my seat you know to tell them this is the plan and this is what we should do. And they went for it. And now as we look back and then they tell what they were thinking they were like, "well we didn't think we could do it, but you were so sure that we could do it that we said Okay let's try." You know so we were both faking each other into I’m pretty sure we can do it. M: Right, which is terrifying. B: It is because those board members signed on and personally guaranteed our loan. M: Oh gosh. B: That’s a big thing, that’s huge. And now we have you know, we own three structures. And so now we have equity and you know we secure our own loans. You know we have two loans still, one on the farmer's market and then one here on the post office still that we make monthly payments on that. We have a, we are only in one part of the post office. We rented the other part of the post office out to a financial planner. And so he pays us rents and that rent pays the mortgage. And the apartments you know over the farmer's market, that make us enough that brings in, pays the insurance and the mortgage. M: So are these revenue generators for you? B: Right now they're paying for themselves. M: Just breaking even then. B: Yes. But in a sense, we're not paying rent. M: Right, so you have some added benefits. B: So when we pay them off, they will be revenue generators. And the post office, I mean sorry, or the bed and breakfast, it’s called Gottfried's Cabin. I mean we’re not rolling in the dough but we were paying. With those logs, you can’t just turn the heat, have no AC and no heat. I mean so whether it was vacant or occupied, we had to keep the heat on. And so there was electric bills year round and gas bills and so that was, it was an expense no matter what. And so now it turns a profit. Like I said it's not huge but it's active. It's a part of the community, it's you know paying its dues as far as taxes and yeah. And it's really nice. You know our chamber loves us because of the other lodging it is sought after. We have quite a bit now. I mean with AirBnB and VRBO and all that nuttiness. I mean there's over, you know besides the hotels, the three hotels, there's 20-22 different properties collecting the bed tax now. But they're all you know a little reluctant to donate and sometimes you just need to be able to put a package together with a night's stay. So that's been the biggest thing. M: That’s great. B: You know I mean like we can let the cabin go for free and use it to promote the community as a whole. M: What a great, oh my gosh, it’s so inspiring. B: And if you had told us all that we were gonna be doing all this stuff you know from all the way. You know it's just by time. You know somebody looks at us now and they're probably like God you people are nuts or you know but it just came like I said little by little that it seemed like it was a good idea to do all this craziness. M: Well and that's usually what it does, it's you know it's not one big bite it's tiny little nibbles and all of a sudden you have a post office, a B&B and a farmer's market and you're managing all of that. And you know I think it's, does it ever feel like you have gotten away from the mission or does it feel like you've just absolutely wrapped those up and put them and made them a part of the mission. B: I think that we've made them a part of the mission we did start. Before I came here, they had lost their 501C3 status in like 98 or 97, and they didn't know that what they were doing was wrong. They were kind of acting like a chamber of commerce offering benefits for membership, and you know that's not how a C3 is supposed to function. And it was actually a volunteer that had gotten disgruntled that turned them in. M: Oh no. B: Yeah so we functioned as a C6 for so long that we actually formed our own, we asked about going backwards and like trying to revert back to a C3 and the IRS is like no, you’re better off just starting a new one and so we did. So in 2006, we started our Historic Washington Foundation and how you get to be on that Board of Directors, one of the requirements is that you have to be, you have to have been president of the Main Street Board. M: Oh wow. B: So yeah, I do have in a sense I guess, two boards. I mean I work for the Main Street Program Downtown Washington Incorporated, but we do, I essentially serve as staff for our foundation as well. So they are two separate entities, file separate tax returns, two separate board of directors, but they meet together and so it’s definitely, I guess for us we view it as one and for the outside world, they view it as two just legally. And so I have to say having the flexibility of choosing who I want to be in the moment, a C3 or a C6 has been great too. Like we definitely haven’t, we’re not perfect, we screw things up. Things don’t go right, you think it’s going to go one way and it goes another and we worry. Especially, I worry, I don’t want this to sound jerky or anything, but I’m willing to do all of this and one day when I leave, is someone else going to for the pay? And that’s a concern and so I was, I thought I was going to be forever single and I actually ended up meeting my husband late in life, I mean I was 35 when I met him. So we met in 2012 and I started to use all my time and it was like a little growing pain for my board and stuff. And it’s like well she’s not there, and it’s like well yeah, I’m actually using my vacation time, shocking I know, isn’t it? M: I’m working only 8 hours in 1 day. B: So I do talk about that a lot like you know, I’ve been able to do a lot of consulting that I absolutely adore and so I’ve gotten to go to Michigan and I’m headed to Louisiana this month, and Oklahoma and Illinois. And I just absolutely adored every little consulting gig that I’ve gotten in Florida and stuff. That’s what I say, we’re not perfect we do a lot of really cool things, but there are things that we need to do better. The work is never done. After we won GAMSA everybody is like what’s next? I hate that when they do that, it’s like what are you going to do to top yourself. Like god, just running the organization, isn’t that enough. It’s a lot of work. M: But we do it to ourselves more than anyone else does it. B: Oh yes. It’s like what are you adding, I’m like nothing. M: I just need to take a breath. B: We cannot add one more thing. Everyone is like, you should do this event. I’m like no we’re done. That’s another thing that we, in the past must have gotten in trouble for, you know having that nice diverse mix of funding. Well, one of the reasons that we didn’t make that accreditation back in 06 was because like 75% of our budget came from special events, weather dependent special events. M: Not sustainable, you can’t count on that. If you have a bad year, it rains out, you have to lay somebody off. B: You’re in trouble. So that’s one of our things that when we get reviewed they check that and so far we’ve been very good about getting it down. But you know for all the really cool amazing things we’ve done, we still screw up and we don’t do things right all the time and you know that’s a beautiful thing about being in a non-profit working with a bunch of volunteers. And then the next board comes in and you’re like ok what are you guys going to focus on and what are we going to do. It’s been amazing because it’s always different. There are things that you know, wear me down and I think that sometimes the thing that’s going to make me eventually leave is, well number one, they could use some fresh ideas. You know you do get set in your ways the longer you’re at a place. But the one thing about that is that so many Main Streets, like the average, is like 3 years or something like that. It’s hard, that’s hard to get momentum. That’s like the one thing I think about me being here so long is that there is a comfort level. M: It’s easier to take those kinds of risks if you know the person is going to be around to fix it if it doesn’t work. Or even if it doesn’t work, there are risks to running a B&B, there are risks to running a post office. There’s just even over the initial hump of the investment and renovations. Now all of a sudden you have multiple businesses that are happening that somebody has to know how to run and know how to problem solve. And you’re not leaving, but I also think that as Main Street Directors we can sometimes do a big disservice to our organizations by providing, too much isn’t the right word, but not a realistic workload. Where all of a sudden in order to replace you they have to hire 3 people than the business model is broken. You can’t leave until all the loans are paid off because they're going to need that money. B: I’m always saying yeah I’m going to finally leave and all these loans are going to get paid off and we’re going to be freaking rolling in the dough. M: Yeah and why would you leave then, that’s easy. I mean what the heck? And there’s a certain something about the Main Street directors that I have met where I don’t think there’s a single person doing it because they’re getting rich, not monetarily anyway. It’s a passion. B: It’s a career, it’s a passion. God, it’s different every day. M: Right, good and bad. B: I mean I would say the one thing that I do feel like I’m doing worse at as time goes on is the grumpy merchant. M: The negative nellies. And I’ve only been in this position for about two years and when I first started I thought, I’m going to convert all those grumpy folks. B: When one leaves another one takes their place. M: Yeah, and what I’ve started doing is, I don’t know if this is the right answer or not, but every time someone complains I ask what committee they want to be on. And it typically does the job of you can’t complain if you’re not a part of the solution, but it just gets tiring. B: It does. M: When you’re working more than you’re supposed to be getting paid for. B: That is the really cool thing about having a state director that has actually been one of us, is that she does get that and so while she doesn’t want us to sit down and just have, excuse my language, a bitch fest. But sometimes we just need to say it in a safe space and get it off our chest. It’s so funny, we have training that you know the state puts on and we go and we attend and once a year she brings in some kind of like a positive speaker, basically, we feel like she’s bringing a psychiatrist because we feel like she thinks we’re one step from the looney bin. But it’s funny, I mean we’ll end up laughing and crying and it’s good because you build a support network so you can call someone that’s around the state and still understands how your state works and everything but it’s a safe person to be like if I have one more merchant. M: Yeah and I think it’s so important to know that there’s nothing, there’s sometimes nothing you can do to change a situation. You can give them, that merchant or that community member, that volunteer the world and it’s still not going to satisfy them and you just need someone to tell you that that’s ok and it’s not your fault and you didn’t do anything wrong and to move on and to focus on the hundred other people who love what you’re doing and value it. But it’s so easy to get focused on that negative person or that negative situation. And I suppose the longer you’re in this kind of a position, you have that kind of wisdom of knowing that, but it also adds up. I mean there’s kind of two sides to it like intellectually you can know that some people are just going to complain, but on the other side, you can think, well that isn’t how I want my Main Street to be. I want my Main Street to be one happy family that gets along and supports each other and everyone is on the same page, but that isn’t necessarily realistic. So it’s good to have those others, at least for me too, in Minnesota, to have those other Main Streeters. I just can’t say enough about how important that is. To keep our sanity. B: Yes, that is definitely it. Am I crazy am I not crazy? Oh, you have that too? M: Well it’s just been such a pleasure to talk to you! Is there anything else you want to make sure we talk about, or that you wanted to make sure that the people know about your town. Edit out 40:46 to 40:51 B: Well I mean, we are, I’ll just give you a little spiel in town a little bit. But yeah, we’re about 45 minutes west of St. Louis on the Missouri river. Founded you know folks in the area, in the late 1700’s early 1800’s here. But we were officially founded as a community in 1839 by Lucinda Owens. M: A woman? B: Yes, a woman. We were supposed to be founded a few years earlier but her husband was shot in the back while on his way over to the county seat to formulate. So he had to sign the paperwork, so we were founded by a woman. No photo, of course, exists of her, plenty of her male relatives but not of her. Her house is still in downtown so that’s really exciting that we still have that right outside of our downtown district. Right over Missouri river so we do enjoy being near the water. We actually just got our brand new bridge, a $16 million project. Our big tourism draw, we’re in the heart of wine country so within an hour of Washington there’s something like 36 wineries. Actually, there’s more than that. Within a half an hour there’s 36 and within an hour of Washington, there are 68 wineries. We certainly enjoy our beverages of all kind here, goes well with our German heritage. So that is definitely something you’ll see at our festivals, it’s celebrating that German heritage. While we have children’s festivals, we do have plenty of adult festivals where we partake in beverages. M: Well you have to have a balance. B: It’s a good balance, yes. It’s definitely something that we enjoy. And my biggest piece of advice I think from being in this so long is go to training. And go to trainings more than with just the one staff person. Find a way to excite your board members and your volunteers and get them to go. We do not pay for our board members to attend training. M: They pay themselves? B: They pay themselves and I was very lucky, early on I got to go to D.C. for two years for a couple of weeks to do the certified Main Street Manager and that was unbelievable. We did not have the money for me to do that, a travel agent donated my airfare one year. A board member used the miles on his credit card another year to fly me there. Another board member used their credit card points to get my hotel room. The rotary and alliance paid for my hotel stay the second year. So really, just don’t be afraid to do crazy things to piece it all together. Where there is a will, there is a way. And if you’re excited about something, can share that enthusiasm, it is infectious. It has been huge for us to be partners, equal partners, with our city and our chamber. We’re not in competition with them, we’re working together to make a better community. And as long as you remember and as long as you can get comfortable with not having to be the one that gets credit, you’re going to go a really far way. It will give you a lot of longevity. You know, it's not always perfect but we try really hard. One of the things that we do is that our city administrator, our chamber exec and myself, we meet once a month over beverages and we’re just friends. There’s so much time that you’re spending together to make your community a great place, why not have a great friendship out of it. And I know that’s not going to happen for everyone, but just remember, you never know what kind of a day someone’s had. Being that positive person, smiling and pushing through, it can really go a long way. M: I think it helps to have those people. They know firsthand the challenges that you’re facing. B: Yeah and they know the same people probably. M: Yeah and a lot of times there’s somebody in our community, there was a city council person that was not a fan of Downtown Main Street for a while. Then he turned his sights on one of the other organizations and I was like yeah, sorry but that too shall pass. He’s one vote so it’s just nice to have that camaraderie when things are though. It’s almost more important than when things are good. It’s easy to have a good relationship when things are good. B: Agreed, yeah I totally agree. Just dig into the other resources. I get these great emails, I think her name is Joan Garry, and I actually printed out something on one of the emails she sent and it’s taped right next to my desk. And it’s called the 8 habits of a highly effective non-profit leader and I just love them because sometimes I just have to look at them like yeah yeah. One is to ask for help. Two is to talk less, listen more. Number three is exude passion, number four is ask really good questions. Number five is touch the work, be the work. Number six is get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Number seven is apologize more often, even if it’s not your fault, I added the even if it’s not your fault. M: Yeah that’s tough. B: Number eight is to be joyful and she added the ninth one which is sharpen the saw. Which really is, go to training be around people like you. Even the national conference, sometimes if nothing else, even if you don’t go to the classes, you should go to the classes, but even if you don’t, just being around your people is huge. M: Right, that’s why I love the conferences because you are around people that love their communities, they love people, they love history and it’s my people. And that’s why I wanted to do this podcast too because I can’t be the only one, wondering how everyone else is doing it. How are they staying positive and making big changes and little changes and having influence in their communities and facing burnout and working through it? So that’s why I thought I love these people, they’re the most fun and they’re the most accepting people and I just think we’re so lucky to work around people who believe in their community. And community I think that translates to the main street program. B: It does and I think your mentors come from all over. When I started, my National Main Street person was Sheri Stuart, who is now the State Coordinator for Oregon, and she always told me that she believed in me and that was huge. It was huge. So when we won GAMSA in 2012 I had to let her know that I am who I am today as an Executive Director because of Gayla Rosen and Sheri Stuart. Our state person now is Norma and she is a rockstar, I mean she supports us in every aspect. She was, again I think this is important, same with Sheri, same with Gayla, they were Main Street Executive Directors. And I think that’s a huge piece and Kathy La Plante, I adore all these women and that’s really a big part of, I think, where I am today and having those wonderful influences and knowing where to go and find them. M: Well those relationships and knowing that you have people that have your back, that can help you get out of a sticky situation if you find yourself in one, I think helps you take bigger risks. Because you know that you’re not alone, and even if, let’s say one of your projects would have flopped, that wouldn’t have changed how they feel about you. That’s in and of itself a lesson. So having those people behind you and nurturing those relationships, I think, makes it so much easier to take risks. I know that if I have a crazy idea I call one of the main street other coordinators, or managers or executive directors and then we talk about it. And then I talk to the Minnesota coordinator and it helps you think everything through so much better and it’s a better idea by the time you get it to the community or to the board or whatever. You just have so many more resources. B: That’s what I think about Main Street, it’s a beta copy and probably you are not having an original idea and someone has tried it before so learn from their successes. M: I don’t know anybody that owns a post office Debora Jet. I love it! B: I don’t know of any. M: That’s pretty special. B: Yeah pretty stupid one. M: I am not judging. This has been so fun and I am so glad we got the chance to talk and that you’re out there and that you’re working hard. Your years of experience, obviously, are invaluable to those of us who are still new to this. I can’t wait to meet you, I will be at the conference in Seattle. B: Oh great! Did you go to Kansas City? M: I went to Kansas City, I was really sick. I took one of the classes there so it’s all kind of a blur, but I’m hoping that Seattle I’m going to make the most of Seattle and make up for lost time.   B: Well cool, I will definitely be there. I’m going and like I said I’m going to Louisiana for training, I’m doing promotions for them later on in the month so I will definitely mention your podcast, see if I can get you some more listeners. M: Well thank you, I really appreciate it and I’d like to include if you have a website or any personal information about your consulting and include that too if that’s something that you want to do. B: I don’t have a website for that, I just kind of get asked by Norma or Kathy or Gayla says, oh you need to talk to this person, and so that’s like how I got the Florida and the Oklahoma gig. M: We’ll make sure to include your email so people can get a hold of you for that too and I can’t wait to see pictures of your post office, your B&B and the pavilion. We’ll include all that in the show information on the website so that people can see what we’re talking about and it’s truly inspirational. So thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today and I look forward to meeting you in person soon.  

Aren't you Jeff? 你是Jeff吗？= You're Jeff, aren't you?= You're Jeff, right?回答：Yes, that's right. Have we met? 没错。我们见过吗？How's your family? 你家人好不好？How are the wife and kids? 小孩和老婆好吗？Are you married? 你结婚了吗？=Have you got married yet?回答：Not yet. 还没。I've been married for a year. 我已经结婚一年了。I hardly recognize you. 我快认不出你了。= You look so different now. 你现在看起来很不一样。= You've changed a lot. 你变了好多。Dialogue 对话：W: You're Damian, right? It's Lily! 你是Damian吗？我是Lily啊！M: Oh wow, I hardly recognize you! 哇，我快认不出你了。W: Oh 'cuz I've just lost 20 pounds. 哦，因为我瘦了20斤。M: How's your family? 你家人还好吗？W: They're great. Thanks. 他们很好，谢谢。M: Are you married? 你结婚了吗？W: Not yet. Are you asking? 还没。你是要约我吗？关注我的社交媒体账号，有更多精彩分享：- 公众微信号：贵旅特（ID：iflyclub）- 网站：flywithlily.com- FB粉丝页：Fly with Lily- IG: flywithlily

Download MP3 カラオケは、日頃のストレス解消のみならず、英語の上達にも大変効果的です。でも、あの騒音がムリという人もいるかも知れませんね。今回の会話では、そんなうるさいカラオケルームの中で、女性がとんでもない聞き違えをしてしまいます。教科書ではお目にかかれない生きたスラングが満載の会話です。 *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） a bit 少し (to) grab を取る、素早く食べる（飲む） (to) go out with 〜とデートする (a) chick （俗語・使用注意）=a girl dude （米俗）お前、あんた straight （俗語）=heterosexual, not gay elsewhere ここじゃないどこかで (to) score （俗語）（女性を）モノにする ***Script*** Karaoke is Fun (Scene: Karaoke room-noisy) M: I'll go out for a bit and buy some drinks. W: What? M: I said I'm going out to grab some drinks. W: Wait, you want to go out with sexy chicks? M: (didn't hear well) Yeah, I am. Want to come with me? W: Of course not, dude! I have perfectly fine guys right here. I don't need chicks. M: (misheard) Oh OK. You sure you don't want me to get you anything? W: Please. I'm straight. (leaves then gets back) W: You bought drinks? Why didn't you ask me if I wanted anything? M: I did! Twice! You said you didn't want anything. W: But I thought you went out to look for chicks! M: Chicks? Who said anything about chicks? It was DRINKS. W: And all this time I thought you were having fun elsewhere! Ha ha. M: How could I even score on chicks? Karaoke is my only love. Hey, give me the mic, my song's coming up! (Written by Bea Jianne Roque)

Download MP3 カラオケは、日頃のストレス解消のみならず、英語の上達にも大変効果的です。でも、あの騒音がムリという人もいるかも知れませんね。今回の会話では、そんなうるさいカラオケルームの中で、女性がとんでもない聞き違えをしてしまいます。教科書ではお目にかかれない生きたスラングが満載の会話です。 *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） a bit 少し (to) grab を取る、素早く食べる（飲む） (to) go out with 〜とデートする (a) chick （俗語・使用注意）=a girl dude （米俗）お前、あんた straight （俗語）=heterosexual, not gay elsewhere ここじゃないどこかで (to) score （俗語）（女性を）モノにする ***Script*** Karaoke is Fun (Scene: Karaoke room-noisy) M: I'll go out for a bit and buy some drinks. W: What? M: I said I'm going out to grab some drinks. W: Wait, you want to go out with sexy chicks? M: (didn't hear well) Yeah, I am. Want to come with me? W: Of course not, dude! I have perfectly fine guys right here. I don't need chicks. M: (misheard) Oh OK. You sure you don't want me to get you anything? W: Please. I'm straight. (leaves then gets back) W: You bought drinks? Why didn't you ask me if I wanted anything? M: I did! Twice! You said you didn't want anything. W: But I thought you went out to look for chicks! M: Chicks? Who said anything about chicks? It was DRINKS. W: And all this time I thought you were having fun elsewhere! Ha ha. M: How could I even score on chicks? Karaoke is my only love. Hey, give me the mic, my song's coming up! (Written by Bea Jianne Roque)

Worship audio from February 18, 2018 - Lent 1B. Warmly referred to as "Festival of the Means of Grace Sunday." Bulletin pasted in below.Green Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN. Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  Find us online: www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MNpastorhagen@icloud.com or (507) 236-9572iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2 Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stprOr simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band. Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.Bulletin PDF here - or below.Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes! We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all. Come, let us worship!For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place. The restrooms are located on the lower level. Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns. Lord Jesus, you took on our humanity and fought temptation. You were victorious! All praise to you for your perfect obedience! And miracle of miracles . . . you have credited this perfection to me. Thank you! AMEN.Christ’s Kingdom Grow through the Means of Grace:Christ’s kingdom exists only with the Word and Sacraments. Therefore, it is necessary to baptize little children, that the promise of salvation may be applied to them, according to Christ’s command to baptize all nations (Matthew 28:19). Just as in this passage salvation is offered to all, so Baptism is offered to all, to men, women, children, infants. It clearly follows, therefore, that infants are to be baptized, because salvation is offered with Baptism. Second, it is clear that God approves of the Baptism of little children. God’s approval of the Baptism of little children is shown by this: He gives the Holy Spirit to those baptized [Acts 2:38–39].Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article 9 (Concordia p. 153)Because He Knew: He Would Died – He Would LiveWhy did Jesus keep moving toward the cross? Surely, he should have known this was coming. Surely, he could have avoided the pain, the suffering, the death. But that’s the point, Jesus knew all along he was going to die. That was the eternal plan of the Father, that the holy Son of God would suffer and die for a world of sinners. However, Jesus also knew that death would not be the end. The payment for sin would be accepted and he would rise to life again and defeat death itself, for us.How does the Temptation of Jesus solidify our Christian hope today?OPENING HYMN: 224 – God Himself is PresentLITURGY: Holy Baptism, CW p. 12Please rise.PRAYER OF THE DAY:M: Lord our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your Word, and when we fall, raise us up again and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.The WordFIRST READING: Genesis 22:1-18What do you love so much that it would be impossible to willingly and gladly give up if the Lord required it? The time of Lent is a call to serious struggle against sin, including the idolatry of loving anyone or anything more than God:Some time later God tested Abraham. He called to him, “Abraham!” Abraham answered, “I am here.” 2God said, “Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains there, the one to which I direct you.” 3Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, along with Isaac his son. Abraham split the wood for the burnt offering. Then he set out to go to the place that God had told him about. 4On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go on over there. We will worship, and then we will come back to you.” 6Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and loaded it on Isaac his son. He took the firepot and the knife in his hand. The two of them went on together. ( . . . continued . . . )7Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father?” He said, “I am here, my son.” He said, “Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them went on together. 9They came to the place that God had told him about. Abraham built the altar there. He arranged the wood, tied up Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11The Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” Abraham said, “I am here.” 12He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13Abraham looked around and saw that behind him there was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14Abraham called the name of that place “The LORD Will Provide.” So it is said to this day, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” 15The Angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16and said, “I have sworn by myself, declares the LORD, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your descendants greatly, like the stars of the sky and like the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the city gates of their enemies. 18In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” PSALM: CWS 3 (Bulletin p. 6)SECOND READING: Romans 8:31-39Lent proves the love of God: God gave his own Son for us all. With this truth planted into our hearts, God gives us perseverance in all things: 31What then will we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him? 33Who will bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies! 34Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus, who died and, more than that, was raised to life, is the one who is at God’s right hand and who is also interceding for us! 35What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?36Just as it is written: For your sake we are being put to death all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. THEME VERSE: Matthew 4:10It is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” Thanks be to God.GOSPEL READING: Mark 1:12-15In his grace, God leads Gentiles to worship Christ:12The Spirit immediately sent Jesus out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels were serving him. 14After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. 15“The time is fulfilled,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near! Repent, and believe in the gospel.” This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.Praise be to you, O Christ!HYMN OF THE DAY: 201 – A Mighty Fortress is Our GodSERMON based on Mark 1: Only a Victorious Christ could Preach the GospelCONFESSION OF FAITH: Luther’s Explanation of Holy Baptism, from the Small Catechism (1529)M: What is Baptism?C: Baptism is not just plain water, but it is water used by God's command and connected with God's Word.M: Which is that Word of God?C: Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”M: What does Baptism do for us?C: Baptism works forgiveness of sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.M: What are these words and promises of God?C: Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”M: How can water do such great things?C: It is certainly not the water that does such things, but God's Word which is in and with the water, and faith which trusts this Word used with the water. For without God's Word the water is just plain water and not baptism. But with this Word it is baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of rebirth by the Holy Spirit.M: Where is this written?C: Saint Paul says in Titus, chapter three, “God saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” ( . . . continued . . . )M: What does baptizing with water mean?C: Baptism means that the old Adam in us should be drowned by daily contrition and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.M: Where is this written?C: Saint Paul says in Romans, chapter six, “We were buried with Christ through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”OFFERINGPRAYER OF THE CHURCH & LORD’S PRAYER: p. 32The sacramentFor our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.COMMUNION LITURGY: p. 33DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 737 – God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say ItSONG OF THANKS: CW 316 (Purple sheet or hymnal)CLOSING HYMN: 752 – In Christ AloneNOTESAll are invited to celebrate Gideon’s baptism at noon at the Pizza Ranch.See the sign-up at the back of church for next week’s congregational bowling.Midweek Lenten worship continues with a 6 PM meal & 7 PM worship. THIS WEEKToday 1 Samuel 19 9:30 - Lent 1 Worship with Holy Communion & Baptismal Affirmation of Gideon Johanson 10:45 - Sunday School & Bible Class (The Flood) 12:01 PM - Baptismal celebration at the Pizza RanchMonday 1 Samuel 20Tuesday 1 Samuel 21 7 PM - CAP class: The Start of Unit 2! Wednesday 1 Samuel 22 NO CATECHISM CLASS 6 PM - Lenten Meal 7 PM - Midweek Lenten WorshipThursday 1 Samuel 23Friday 1 Samuel 24Saturday 1 Samuel 25Sunday 1 Samuel 26 9:30 - Lent 2 Worship 10:45 - Sunday School & Bible Class (The Flood)                  Membership at Shepherd of the Lakes means more than a person’s name on a church roster. Membership is about belonging to Christ, growing in faith, and sharing the joy of salvation together. We enjoy life together with a merciful God through faith, growing together as lifelong learners of Jesus, spending time together with one another in Christian friendship and support, and going out together into our communities and circles of friends to make a meaningful difference.Our new member process aims at nurturing those relationships, which includes but is not limited to an agreement together on the truths of the Bible. Unity of belief is the building block for life together with Christ, growing in faith together, and sharing in the joy of salvation together.Those who want to join Shepherd of the Lakes coming from other WELS or ELS churches will be familiar with our beliefs. Others experienced in another church, or who have little or no religious background at all, become members through participation in a Bible information class taught by Pastor Hagen. Many of our members have taken this class numerous times, as a reminder and refresher on the different teachings in God’s Word.Togetherness in beliefs then leads to a new member process that nurtures togetherness in relationships with God, church and community.Speak to Pastor Hagen if you’re interested. There is no charge. Even if you’re just curious, come check it out!                                                                                  

s/o to Marcus and Elle for being AWOL The Committee is back at it again with their introspective, thought provoking, but funny takes on what's going on in this crazy world. -Tomi & 21 Savage -H&M/How much would it take you to sell out -Should you tell your husband you been getting ur back blown out for 2 years by co-worker after he cheats with baby mother prior to wedding Rate,comment,and,subscribe on Apple Podcast! Rate,comment,and,subscribe on Apple Podcast! Rate,comment,and,subscribe on Apple Podcast! Follow on twitter @committeepod @southbreeze706 @adophus_savage @marcus_sniffles @winowhiney @lethalsaint_ ***Disclaimer: Objective truth expressed on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. ENJOY

Download MP3 本日の話題は「めがね」。もともとは視力矯正のためのアイテムですが、めがね男子・めがね女子という表現があるように、めがねをかけている異性はしばしば魅力的に感じられるものです。さて、今回の会話に登場する男女の場合はどうでしょうか。 (初級〜中級) *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） How's it going? 元気？ ※日常会話ではHow are you?よりもこちらの方が多用される。 glasses change our appearances. めがねは見た目を変える。 *** Script *** Do You Look Good in Glasses? M: Hey, how's it going? W: Great. And yourself? M: Fine, thanks. Um… you usually wear glasses, don't you? W: Yeah. My eyes are not so good. I can't see the whiteboard without wearing glasses. Ha ha… M: Well, I think they look good on you. W: Really…? I don't think so… but… thanks. M: Anyway, are you free next Sunday? Let's go to see a movie! W: Sounds good! Where should we meet? M: How about 9 at the train station? W: OK. See you then! (Sunday morning) M: Hi! W: Good morning! M: Oh, you aren't wearing your glasses today? Can you see the movie without them? W: Well… no problem. M: Didn't you say you think you don't look nice in them? W: Yeah, glasses change our appearances. M: Well, I think you're beautiful all the time! W: Thanks. But I look prettier to you when I am not wearing my glasses and… YOU look better to me too. M: Hey… what do you mean by that? W: Oh, never mind! Let's go to see the movie! M: Oh… OK! Let's go! (Written by Mikako Aoyagi)

Download MP3 本日の話題は「めがね」。もともとは視力矯正のためのアイテムですが、めがね男子・めがね女子という表現があるように、めがねをかけている異性はしばしば魅力的に感じられるものです。さて、今回の会話に登場する男女の場合はどうでしょうか。 (初級〜中級) *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） How's it going? 元気？ ※日常会話ではHow are you?よりもこちらの方が多用される。 glasses change our appearances. めがねは見た目を変える。 *** Script *** Do You Look Good in Glasses? M: Hey, how's it going? W: Great. And yourself? M: Fine, thanks. Um… you usually wear glasses, don't you? W: Yeah. My eyes are not so good. I can't see the whiteboard without wearing glasses. Ha ha… M: Well, I think they look good on you. W: Really…? I don't think so… but… thanks. M: Anyway, are you free next Sunday? Let's go to see a movie! W: Sounds good! Where should we meet? M: How about 9 at the train station? W: OK. See you then! (Sunday morning) M: Hi! W: Good morning! M: Oh, you aren't wearing your glasses today? Can you see the movie without them? W: Well… no problem. M: Didn't you say you think you don't look nice in them? W: Yeah, glasses change our appearances. M: Well, I think you're beautiful all the time! W: Thanks. But I look prettier to you when I am not wearing my glasses and… YOU look better to me too. M: Hey… what do you mean by that? W: Oh, never mind! Let's go to see the movie! M: Oh… OK! Let's go! (Written by Mikako Aoyagi)

00:00-19:50 Intro, Will and Matt have a regional food fight, Matt opines about his favorite baseball team, Will recaps his trip to Houston and Texas A&M SEC Football Week 6 19:50-31:07 Will thinks Kevin Sumlin will keep his job, and that donors and fans need to temper the expectations for some of these second-year head coaches like Barry Odom, Will Muschamp and Ed Orgeron 31:07-35:45 Alabama at Texas A&M: How many teams can legitimately hang with Alabama? 35:45-38:53 Ole Miss at Auburn: Does Auburn need to win as cosmetically big as Alabama did to keep up in the rankings? 38:53-45:38 Georgia at Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt is the most confusing team in the conference, what is significantly different about Georgia’s personnel that’s led to their increased productivity 45:38-51:11 LSU at Florida: Why is Florida such a slim favorite? What does Florida do on offense? Is LSU as bad as they were against Troy, or was it just a letdown? 51:11-58:26 Missouri at Kentucky: Does Kentucky have a problem putting teams away, What can Missouri do in this game to provide encouragement? Is Kentucky on the second tier behind Georgia and Florida in the SEC East? 58:26-1:21:00 Arkansas at South Carolina: Will still doesn’t know South Carolina’s offensive identity, the Gamecocks let go a golden opportunity against Texas A&M, Arkansas knows what they do well and they do it to an extreme, has Austin Allen under-performed his raw talent? 1:21:00-1:36:58 Mini MLB Playoff Preview: Could this be the most competitive playoffs in the Wild Card era? Does MLB have a competitive balance problem? Will and Matt debate borderline Hall of Fame/Hall of Very Good baseball players.

Sue Abderholden-Executive Director, MN NAMI There are many cases of mental illness in the prison population. Many folks with mental illness are sent to prison instead of hospitals where they would receive much better care. Heather Zierhut-Asst. professor of Genetic Counseling Program, U of M How affective are these mail-order DNA tests? How much information can you get from these tests?

Download MP3 先週に引き続き、オーストラリアの話題をお届けします。日本の高校で初めての授業に臨み、オーストラリアから来た高校生は少し緊張気味。彼女によれば、オーストラリアの高校と日本の高校はずいぶんと異なっているようです。 （初級〜中級） *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） weird =strange the classrooms are grouped based on what's taught. 教室は教えられる科目によって分かれている。 primary school 小学校 (to) spill こぼす sticky べたべたする If someone spills their sticky drink in the classroom... 誰かがべとべとする飲み物を教室にこぼしたら ※someoneは単数扱いだが、口語表現ではthey/their/themで受けるのが普通。 (to) head off 出発する (to) get started on ...を始める rubbish ばかげている *** Script *** High School in Australia Compared to Japan M: So, it's your first day of school in Japan. Are you nervous? W: Yeah, it's so different back in Australia. M: How so? W: In Japan, the whole school is in one building. That's so weird. In Australia, our schools are generally lots of buildings with fields between them. And the classrooms are grouped based on what's taught. So, in primary school the classrooms for each grade are in different buildings. And in high school, the classrooms are grouped by the subject that's generally taught in that building. M: Oh wow, that sounds nice. Classes in different buildings. But Japan doesn't really have the space for that. W: Yeah, I guess. Why is it necessary to have so many pairs of shoes, though? I thought I'd need new shoes for school, but all I do is put them in a locker when I arrive at school. I bought these shoes for nothing. M: So in Australia you just walk in dirty shoes all through the buildings? W: Hmm, I didn't think of that, but I guess we've got the right equipment to clean up. And if someone spills their sticky drink in the classroom, it doesn't make much of a difference. Ha ha! (Bell rings) W: Hey, we better head off so we can get started on this homework. M: Don't go yet! We've still got cleaning duty! W: Really? We have to do it? M: Yep. W: Ugh, this situation is rubbish! (Written by Stella-Maree Trounson)

Download MP3 先週に引き続き、オーストラリアの話題をお届けします。日本の高校で初めての授業に臨み、オーストラリアから来た高校生は少し緊張気味。彼女によれば、オーストラリアの高校と日本の高校はずいぶんと異なっているようです。 （初級〜中級） *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） weird =strange the classrooms are grouped based on what's taught. 教室は教えられる科目によって分かれている。 primary school 小学校 (to) spill こぼす sticky べたべたする If someone spills their sticky drink in the classroom... 誰かがべとべとする飲み物を教室にこぼしたら ※someoneは単数扱いだが、口語表現ではthey/their/themで受けるのが普通。 (to) head off 出発する (to) get started on ...を始める rubbish ばかげている *** Script *** High School in Australia Compared to Japan M: So, it's your first day of school in Japan. Are you nervous? W: Yeah, it's so different back in Australia. M: How so? W: In Japan, the whole school is in one building. That's so weird. In Australia, our schools are generally lots of buildings with fields between them. And the classrooms are grouped based on what's taught. So, in primary school the classrooms for each grade are in different buildings. And in high school, the classrooms are grouped by the subject that's generally taught in that building. M: Oh wow, that sounds nice. Classes in different buildings. But Japan doesn't really have the space for that. W: Yeah, I guess. Why is it necessary to have so many pairs of shoes, though? I thought I'd need new shoes for school, but all I do is put them in a locker when I arrive at school. I bought these shoes for nothing. M: So in Australia you just walk in dirty shoes all through the buildings? W: Hmm, I didn't think of that, but I guess we've got the right equipment to clean up. And if someone spills their sticky drink in the classroom, it doesn't make much of a difference. Ha ha! (Bell rings) W: Hey, we better head off so we can get started on this homework. M: Don't go yet! We've still got cleaning duty! W: Really? We have to do it? M: Yep. W: Ugh, this situation is rubbish! (Written by Stella-Maree Trounson)

Download MP3 アメリカのハイスクールといえば、映画やドラマでもおなじみですね。日本の高校と同じように様々なタイプの生徒がいて、なかなか面白い世界のようです。そんなハイスクールの面白さが生き生きと伝わってくるような、スラングも交えた会話をお届けします。 （初級〜中級） *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） Mean Girls 『ミーン・ガールズ』（2004年公開のアメリカの学園映画） High School Musical 『ハイスクール・ミュージカル』（2006年放映のアメリカのテレビ映画） representation 象徴 Where on earth... いったいどこで... how come どうして（why） in a sense ある意味で metaphorically speaking たとえて言えば somewhat ちょっと hot stuff （俗語）イケてる部類 (to) own the whole school 学校全体を思いのままにする jocks （俗語）運動部の選手 ※アメフト部など、最も人気の高い運動部に所属している選手のこと。しばしば「頭は弱いが運動能力は高い」というステレオタイプを伴う。アメリカのハイスクールで彼らの対極的存在とされているのはnerds（おたく、ガリ勉、文化系など）。 stereotype 典型的イメージ Dang. ちぇっ。 uneventful 平穏な desperately 必死に American high schools ARE a dramatic mess of broken teenage dreams and raging hormones! アメリカのハイスクールは、打ち砕かれた十代の夢と、たぎるホルモンにあふれた、それはもう混沌たるドラマの舞台だよ。 *** Script *** American High Schools Situation: An Japanese girl and American guy are walking.. W: So, I heard that the movies Mean Girls and High School Musical are actual representations of high school life back in the United States. M: (Drops books) Where on earth did you hear that? W: The Internet, and the movies. M: How embarrassing! Please believe it when I say that we don't run around singing musicals in between classes, and cliques aren't anything like those in Mean Girls. W: Really? Then how come they are so popular? M: Oh no… because, in a sense, metaphorically speaking, it is somewhat accurate. W: So, it isn't true, or it is? M: It's… how should I explain? It CAN be true, because there are a few students who think they are hot stuff and try to own the whole school. But mostly it's false because high school life is a lot more boring. Just normal classes. W: So there aren't cliques? M: Uh, there ARE cliques, but nobody really cares about anything or anyone outside of their clique. W: And the whole jock and cheerleader stereotypes aren't true? M: No, they aren't true. W: Huh, I thought they were. Dang, I thought high school in America would be a lot more interesting! M: Nope. Boring. Very boring and uneventful. W: I think you're hiding some facts from me! M: I'm just desperately trying to hide the fact that… um, yes, American high schools ARE a dramatic mess of broken teenage dreams and raging hormones! (Written by Lauren Johnson)

Download MP3 アメリカのハイスクールといえば、映画やドラマでもおなじみですね。日本の高校と同じように様々なタイプの生徒がいて、なかなか面白い世界のようです。そんなハイスクールの面白さが生き生きと伝わってくるような、スラングも交えた会話をお届けします。 （初級〜中級） *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） Mean Girls 『ミーン・ガールズ』（2004年公開のアメリカの学園映画） High School Musical 『ハイスクール・ミュージカル』（2006年放映のアメリカのテレビ映画） representation 象徴 Where on earth... いったいどこで... how come どうして（why） in a sense ある意味で metaphorically speaking たとえて言えば somewhat ちょっと hot stuff （俗語）イケてる部類 (to) own the whole school 学校全体を思いのままにする jocks （俗語）運動部の選手 ※アメフト部など、最も人気の高い運動部に所属している選手のこと。しばしば「頭は弱いが運動能力は高い」というステレオタイプを伴う。アメリカのハイスクールで彼らの対極的存在とされているのはnerds（おたく、ガリ勉、文化系など）。 stereotype 典型的イメージ Dang. ちぇっ。 uneventful 平穏な desperately 必死に American high schools ARE a dramatic mess of broken teenage dreams and raging hormones! アメリカのハイスクールは、打ち砕かれた十代の夢と、たぎるホルモンにあふれた、それはもう混沌たるドラマの舞台だよ。 *** Script *** American High Schools Situation: An Japanese girl and American guy are walking.. W: So, I heard that the movies Mean Girls and High School Musical are actual representations of high school life back in the United States. M: (Drops books) Where on earth did you hear that? W: The Internet, and the movies. M: How embarrassing! Please believe it when I say that we don't run around singing musicals in between classes, and cliques aren't anything like those in Mean Girls. W: Really? Then how come they are so popular? M: Oh no… because, in a sense, metaphorically speaking, it is somewhat accurate. W: So, it isn't true, or it is? M: It's… how should I explain? It CAN be true, because there are a few students who think they are hot stuff and try to own the whole school. But mostly it's false because high school life is a lot more boring. Just normal classes. W: So there aren't cliques? M: Uh, there ARE cliques, but nobody really cares about anything or anyone outside of their clique. W: And the whole jock and cheerleader stereotypes aren't true? M: No, they aren't true. W: Huh, I thought they were. Dang, I thought high school in America would be a lot more interesting! M: Nope. Boring. Very boring and uneventful. W: I think you're hiding some facts from me! M: I'm just desperately trying to hide the fact that… um, yes, American high schools ARE a dramatic mess of broken teenage dreams and raging hormones! (Written by Lauren Johnson)

Something I’m testing to stimulate and increase the quality of our customers. *****SPOILER ALERT****** In this episode of Marketing In Your Car, Russell spills the beans on the ending of Star Wars: Rogue One, so if you haven’t seen it, skip ahead to 1:20. After that, he also talks about learning all about RFM (Recency, Frequency, and Monetary Value) from some old school guys and why he will be spending 2017 focusing on the frequency that his customers buy. Here are some other cool things in this episode: What Russell plans to do to increase the frequency at which his customers are purchasing. Why it’s important to keep your customers “Warm”. And find out what some of the cool things are that will be happening this year. So listen below to learn what RFM is and why it’s important for your business. ---Transcript--- Good morning everybody! I hope you guys are doing awesome, it is New Year’s Eve morning. It’s the morning of the eve. I don’t know if that makes any sense. But I’m heading to the grocery store real quick to get some stuff for the party tonight. I’m really, really excited for it. Some cool things happening, just real quick. For those of you guys who want a timeline for when, if you’re listening to this in the future, last night Rhonda Rousey fought what’s her name Nunez. The fight lasted less than 48 seconds, it was insane. I got home last night and seriously tried to find a pirated copy online because I had a hot date with my beautiful wife last night. It was crazy. I can’t even…I felt so bad for her. So that happened last night. And last night I went and saw Star Wars Rouge One. I gotta tell you what, people are like, “Star Wars sucks. The new Star Wars is lame.” All these things, right.  It was amazing. I don’t know. The fact that, I don’t want to spoil it for you, but the fact that everybody dies at the end was amazing. That was actually, I mean it’s sad, but that was so cool for the story line. And then the fact that the very end that Darth Vader has his fight scene and going through thrashing everyone. How could someone not think that movie was not amazing? I don’t know, anyway, it was amazing. It’s funny because I get done, and not that I’m easily amused, but if you listened to my podcast a while ago, I don’t know how much money they invested in that, but I paid $12 for the ticket. Insane, they entertained me for that long and it was amazing.  I loved it, it was really fun. But I digress, because today I’ve been wanting to do a podcast because I have something that I’ve wanted to talk about for three days and I keep forgetting to talk to you guys about it. So I’m stopping everything, I almost did it last night at like two in the morning because I’m so excited but I was kind of tired. So I’m talking about it now. This is a cool thing I wanted to share with you guys because it was a big epiphany for me. In fact, let me catch up the last podcast. We told you about my goal, what we’re doing, trying to 3x the company. In one night we had three hundred thousand dollars in new money we had to make, it was insane. So we launched funnelimmersion.com, some of you saw that. Plus we went and hit all of our other Hail Mary passes. Of the five Hail Mary passes we threw up, almost all of them hit. It was crazy, within 24 hours of me doing that podcast, we made over 500 thousand dollars and smashed our goal. It’s crazy. The last two days we didn’t even need to do anything. But then the next two days, because of the momentum of that first initial push, it was insane. So we did, well we’ll see what happens today, in the last 3 days we needed an extra 300 thousand dollars in money, and we made almost a million. In fact, it’s crazy, for us to triple the company, and I didn’t know this until after we did it. I’m glad our accountant didn’t tell me, because I would have thought it was impossible if he would have told me. I’m so glad that sometimes people don’t tell you stuff. Belief is such a funny thing. But he told me after we had smashed the record he was like, “Just to put this in perspective, for you guys to beat your record, in December, the worst month in the industry, you would have had to make 40% of the money that you had actually made all of the last year.” I was like, “What?” It’s just crazy. We ended up doing, we made, actually hit 50% of last year’s revenue in December, which is crazy because last year was an 8 figure year. So 50% of our revenue. We basically got half of our money last year, in December. And way more than 3x’d our company from the year before, which is crazy. So I feel bad for the morons in 2017 who are running this company, because they gotta 3x that again. Oh crap, that’s me. Dangit. I was like, “The more we do now, the more we have to do next year.” So it’ll just keep raising the bar. Alright, so I’m going to step back. There’s so many other cool things I want to share with you guys. Funnel Hacker TV episode one is finished and it’s amazing. All the other ones are in production. The two comma club video and award thing is in process and almost done. There’s so many, I can’t even tell you guys how many cool things are happening right now. The new Marketing In Your Car mp3/funnel/element in the editor are all going to be live next week, next Thursday. I’ve been going for four and a half minutes and I didn’t talk about what I’m talking about because I’m so excited. There’s so many cool things happening you guys. It’s just blowing my mind. With all that kind of cool stuff happening. I want to share with you guys the gold nugget that I think is huge. That I can’t even, it’s going to be exciting. So here it is. For those of you guys, I feel fortunate that I got started, learning this game, back when the internet was just kind of getting new. So the only people to learn from, Corey Riddle was there. He was the pioneer, Corey Riddle. And then outside of him there was nobody that, there wasn’t a lot of people teaching. Then Armand Morin, there was a couple guys that came out, but there wasn’t a lot of stuff. For me to learn this whole marketing game I had to go back to the old school. There’s no school like the old school. So I was learning from Gary Halpert and Dan Kennedy and Jay Abraham. So most of my foundation actually came from those guys. And then how do you actually apply it to internet marketing? And I feel bad because most of you guys who are listening now came in a day and age where there’s a million internet coaches and you miss a lot of this cool foundational stuff that I was blessed enough to get by studying these old legends. So when I was learning from those guys, it was back, everything they were doing was direct mail. And I was always trying to figure out how to relate that back to what we’re doing. One of the big things, the way that direct mail would work is that you’d have an offer, you’d write a sales letter and you’d rent a list of people that are likely to buy your product. When you buy a list, how do you know if I’m getting a good list or a bad list. So these guys, I don’t know who it was that came up with it. But they came up a form to find out how good a list it actually is. So the formula was based on three letters. RFM. So RFM is like if you’re direct person this is second nature to you, if you’re not let me talk about what it is. So RFM stands for Recency, Frequency, and then Monetary value. So RFM. So if I’m running a list, I want a list of people that have bought a business opportunity product. Let’s say I’m selling supplements, I want a list of people who have bought health supplements, or nerve supplements, whatever it is. So the first thing I want is Recency. Somebody who has purchased something recently. You might think that if someone bought something recently they’re not going to want my thing. No, it’s not true. One thing we know about buyers in heat, when somebody buys something, they buy a lot of things right around that period of time. So if I’m selling a business opportunity, I want to sell somebody who’s recently bought a business opportunity. It kind of doesn’t make logical sense, but it makes perfect sense when you understand how buyers work. Think about when you first got into this business and you started learning about how to make money online, or whatever that thing was for you. You didn’t buy one thing. You were a buyer in heat and you bought a lot. So I want to sell to people who have bought things recently. Second thing, is frequency. I want people who are buying things frequently. They didn’t just buy something once and you never hear from them again. I want someone who has bought five business opportunities in the last year. They’re frequently buying. And the last one is M, Monetary value, people who are spending a lot of money. The more money they spend, the more they are likely to spend. People like me, I buy things recently, I buy things frequently, and I spend a lot of money. I’m like the dream buyer in the markets that I’m interested in. So RFM, that was the thing. So when I’m getting direct mail lists, the higher the RFM score is the more, the better that list is for me. What’s cool is in Clickfunnels, in Actionetics, those of you guys who’ve used the Actionetics, we haven’t started training hard core on this yet. That’ll be one of the big things for next year. But  we have an RFM score. In fact, we have an RFMS score. So if you look at the action score in contacts. So if you’re in Actionetics, click on contact, and you’ll see a little circle in the top right hand corner, it looks really cool and it’s their RFMS score, it stands for Recency, Frequency, Monetary Value, and then the S stands for Social. Because one cool thing that the internet has brought to us is the ability to watch people socially and stuff like that. One of my buddies, Jeremy Shoemoney, he found out, he did some tests and he said that….he owned an auto-responder company for a while so he was doing all sorts of cool tests and monetizations and stuff. And one of the magic things he brought to my world, he found out that somebody who joined his list who used their actual Facebook email address, or social media email address that’s hooked to a real social account, is worth 80 times more money than somebody who uses a throw-away email address. 80 times. In fact, if people opted in and they didn’t use their Facebook email address, he would just delete them as a record. He wouldn’t even use them because it was such a waste of energy to market to them. For us, we have social as well, so RFMS. So you get the score on each of your clients that comes and you say, “Oh wow. RFMS.” How valuable is this person to you. So you’ll see in Actionetics in the future, RFMS is going to be a big thing we’ll be talking more about. But I digress, let me come back to what I’m talking about. So for me, I had this big epiphany this weekend. As we were doing this launch and people were buying stuff and getting in. There’s something about people buying and new excitement and new energy. We’re doing this Funnel Immersion sale, and we sold a lot of them and people were going crazy. And everyone on the Facebook group was trying to convince everyone else to buy. I felt bad, some people in the Facebook group were like, “So what’s actually in this? Russell never mentioned it. So why am I giving Russell money?” and they’re like, “Who cares? Just do it. Russell says buy it, just buy it.” And everybody in our group is just jumping in, it was awesome. It was the coolest thing ever. So anyway, I started thinking about this. And this is the pro and the con of what we’ve been doing over the last two years. My audience, especially my inner circle members and hopefully you guys listening as well. We’ve gotten really good at doing a webinar a week and bringing new blood into your business. Everybody’s doing that. So they’re getting people to purchase but then it’s kind of stopping there. We’re not getting people to purchase more often and that’s why a lot of people’s businesses are struggling. They’re getting really good at selling the first product, but then they have nothing else to offer to our audience to monetize the list that we’ve built. So I started thinking about this and I was like, so next week on Marketinginyourcar.com actually, it’s funny, you guys have been hearing this in the intro and the outro for a while. But we’re finally launching the mp3 player, and it’s amazing. So next Thursday we’re going to have a big launch around it, and we’re going to try to sell, I think I bought 7500 mp3 players. I think we’ll sell those in a week or so and then just go from there. I’m going to do a free plus shipping thing. And there’s not really, people are going to look at me like, “Russell this funnel is no good. You didn’t really monetize that well.” And it will, there’s actually, I think it’s a really cool funnel. But you’re going to notice from me, I’m going to be putting out a lot of things, there just little front ends that are cool. T-shirts, just a lot of front end things, and the reason why, and I had this thing, if what we want our people doing. If someone wanted to rent a list and they’re looking for Recency, Frequency, and Monetary value, how do we stimulate those in our own lists? How do we stimulate? So there’s different things, but I was looking at frequency. How do we stimulate frequency? No one’s ever talked about that, I’ve never thought about that before. The health of my customer list is going to be based on how frequently they’ve purchased from me. So if I don’t have very many opportunities for them to buy from me, they’re less likely to buy from me. And it’s hard to keep selling new info products. You’ve got to have a new hook, new angle. But I want people to keep buying from me. Because the act of buying is going to keep them warm. In fact, I remember TJ Rohleder, he’s a bus op direct mail guy. I was talking to him one day and he was like, “Hey, you want to rent my list of buyers?” I was like, “What? Why would you do that?” and he was like, “The more they buy from you, the more they’re going to buy from me. I need to keep these guys frequently buying.” I was like, wow. How interesting. I never thought, it’s just such a different mindset from what I’ve always thought. Only sell them things every once in a while and build up the hype and make it this big thing. So for me, I think one of my big focuses for this year, I want to create frequency in my buying, in my customers buying habits. In your guys’. So I’m talking about you. I want you buying from me often. In fact, I told my team that I want our customers buying something from us at least once a week minimum. I want that frequency up, because if they are buying once a week, they’re going to stay customers and they’re going to keep…..that’s the health of our list. If we want to increase the health of our list, we want to get them buying often. And I think my goal is at least once a week. So what I’m going to be doing, I’m going to try to create something cool once a week. Not like a new training program, or info product, those things are hard. But just a new thing, once a week, that you guys can buy from me. So you’re going to see a couple of things. One, It’s going to be pulling out little pieces of like funnel Immersion. Funnel Immersion ended up with over a hundred hours of content, which is awesome. So I’m going to be pulling out little pieces of that, low ticket things, just to get people like, “Go buy this training on Tripwire.” Just pulling out little pieces. You’re going to see a lot more physical products, free plus shipping t-shirts. Free plus shipping shoes. Free plus shipping Clickfunnels bottles. Tons of little swag things that aren’t, I’m not going to make any money on them. But I’m just going to be stimulating frequency in my customers. Frequency in purchasing from my customers to increase the health of my list. These aren’t going to become front end offers, we’re driving big Facebook ads to it, trying to optimize the campaign and all that stuff. No. I’m talking about the only goal of these things, is to increase the frequency of the buying patterns of my customers and then build a cult-ture. Because they’re going to have all these cool t-shirts and socks and shoes, and playing cards, and stickers. As many cool things as I can come up with. But that’s the thought. Anyway, I want to throw it to you guys. I know I went really long winded on this one because I’m so excited. But think about that. How can you increase the frequency your customers are buying from you? Because that’s how we judge how good the health of a list is. It’s probably how we should judge how good the health of our customer base is. How often are they buying from you? And how do you now, now that you know that’s something that’s important, how do you stimulate that? How do you create cool crap that they’re going to want to buy? It’s not going to be like, because it’s hard if you’re selling thousand dollar courses, you can’t do that every single week. People aren’t going to keep buying it. That’s not sustainable. So if you have a whole bunch of super low ticket things that you’re going to get from me. I’m not going to make any money on my free plus shipping things, but it stimulates the frequency of buying in my customers, which makes them better customers when I do come out with the big things. They’re used to buying weekly from me, they’re enjoying it. There’s an addiction that comes with that. I don’t know about you, but I’m addicted to buying things. I love buying things. I want to feed that addiction through frequency. So that’s my thought for you, just think about that. How do you stimulate frequency in your customers? Doesn’t have to be weekly like me, because that’s going to be kind of crazy for most people, even for me. I don’t know how I’m going to keep up with that. But for you, think about that. Maybe it’s once a month, how do you get them, how do you increase frequency of buying? So anyway, there you go. And I’m going to leave it there for today, but hopefully this stimulates some thoughts in your mind. How do you know this? How do you increase the R, the F, the M? How do you increase all those across the board? So if you start thinking about that and stimulating it. I need people who buy recently so, that comes back to frequency too. If I’m going to get people to buy something each week, they’re recent, and they’re frequent. So I kind of kill two birds with one stone. Two things are increased in my list of customer health. Next is monetary value, obviously free plus shipping is not, but if you sprinkle it every six weeks or every quarter with a high ticket thing, boom, it increases monetary value and keeps this thing going. And it increases the health base of your customer list. So that’s what I’m thinking about this New Year’s.  Hope it gives you guys some ideas as well. There’s some magic to this you guys. I looking right now at our, in fact I got a video from John on our team the other day. He’s like, “Look, our cult is way better than their cult.” I’m like, “What?” and I look at this video and he’s showing our social stuff versus Lead Pages, versus InfusionSoft, and if you look at it, our social profile is like, boom, trending up. People talking about us, trending up. All these things are trending up. Then you look at  Lead Pages, trending down. Then you look at InfusionSoft, trending down. No one’s talking about them. Nobody care about them. What’s the difference? Boom, we’re stimulating growth, stimulating conversations, making things exciting, building a culture. Now we’re going to start increasing the frequency of this stuff and it’s going to be insane. I’m so excited. Anyway, appreciate you all. I gotta go get some groceries or my wife’s going to kill me. So I will talk to you guys all again soon. Have an amazing New Years. You’re probably going to hear this after New Years, so I hope you had an amazing New Years. If you’re listening to this after Thursday go get your free MP3 player at marketinginyourcar.com. Thanks everybody, talk to you guys soon.

Mike Kenny, attorney, Bauer, Crider, and Parry: Now, this changes a little bit when we’re talking about not adults. When we’re talking about juveniles. I mean, these are very significant rights. And these rights have a very significant consequence on a person's future, on that person's liberty. So, we can understand when an officer reads, perhaps, a 16-year-old or 17-year-old his Miranda warnings. You know, that 16 or 17-year-old might not have that same capacity to understand the gravity of where he is, and to understand that hey, he’d better exercise his rights. So, in the state of Florida, what has happened as a sort of protection in juveniles circumstances, is that law enforcement must make an effort before interrogating a juvenile suspect. Must make an effort to contact the parents, and notify the parents of that interrogation or that questioning is going to take place. B: How is that effort documented? M: How is it documented? A lot of times it’s documented through the officer writing a report, and saying whether or not he or she attempted that contact. A lot of times, whether they wrote it, or not, in felony cases we’re allowed to subpoena the officer in and have them testify and talk about the whole process. I don't want to know just about know what crime that the officer’s investigating. I want to know from point A to point B how we got, you know, to my client and how this whole identification of my client as a suspect, and how we began to question my client. So, you know, that's one of the first questions that I would ask when it comes time to find out how they questioned him is, “Did you did you attempt to reach the parents?” They don't have to make contact. They don't have to get then. They don't have to wait an inordinate amount of time. What they have to show is they made an effort to reach the parents. Obviously, one of the other things I do is I talk to the parents of my client. And say, “Hey, did anyone try to contact you when he was at school and they were asking questions?” So, you usually get to the answer very quickly. And if the officer demonstrates that he made an effort to reach out, then he may have met that hurdle. That one necessary hurdle to show that our client's rights were protected. Now, I will tell you that the failure for the officer to reach out to the parents isn't an absolute. It doesn't mean that any statements made must be suppressed. But it tends to show that the officer failed. That he didn't follow a specific protocol, and he's got more of a difficult battle trying to establish that our client's rights were diligently protected. And, even more so, they’re going to have to explain how this sixteen-year-old, who may have waived his rights, was of the capacity to understand the rights, and know that the significance of waving those rights. The aspect that is to me, that I see often in juvenile cases, and I represent plenty of juvenile clients, and I have plenty of cases pending right now with very similar factual situations, is when the officer is questioning the person, “Is that person in custody, or not?” What I can tell you is, on some cases that I've had very recently, what you have is the questioning occurs at school. In Florida there’s a lot of school resource officers and they have an office in the school. And sometimes what will happen is that a detective whose investigating a crime may contact the school resource officer and confirm a particular student is in attendance at that school. And ask that resource officer to reach out and talk to this student. Now, this is important, because how does that happen? How does a school resource officer make contact with a suspect in school? I can tell you what normally happens, what happens in every case probably that I've had, is that the school resource officer sends a note to the classroom asking the teacher to send the student to his office. Now, why is that significant? Well, when a student is sitting in a classroom he can't just go wherever he wants. He’s got rules he’s got to follow. And when his teacher says, “John Smith, you need to go to officer Smith's office.” Well, obviously, the question is is he in custody? And my argument is: you bet the is. The student’s got no other choice when he sitting in a classroom where to be. And then when his teacher says, “You go there.” He’s essentially been directed to go into the interrogation room. And that is an instance where I would argue that that person needs to be read his Miranda warnings because he is definitely not free to leave. The student walks up to the school resource officer's office, and as nice as they may make the setting seem, and as conversational they may make things seem, my argument and my position is once he gets commanded to go to that office ,he is in custody. If this officer is going to ask my client any questions that are designed to elicit a response that may incriminate him, then I’m going say the warnings better have been read. And if they’re not, officer maybe asking questions at the detriment of his case. The other aspect that is that is crucial here is a lot of times conversations start before a person is fully identified as a suspect. A lot of times, or maybe a brief description about a person who may have been involved, and so, sometimes officers if they don't have a person fully developed yet. Especially, maybe a schoolyard setting, like we were talking about before, may have a conversation with someone and begin to talk with them. And maybe, during that conversation when the officer’s asking questions the suspect may elicit a response admitting to being present when a crime was committed. Or, admit to being involved in a crime. And at that point, maybe the officer is clued in. “All right, this is the guy. I’ve got my guy. And then the officer reads the Miranda warnings. Now, there has been a lot of litigation about this particular issue. It’s almost kind of liked to ‘letting the cat out of the bag’. And what used to be a very common practice, with some investigators, is that they would have a person who’s sort of stopped. Not really in custody. And they begin to just have a conversation with that person. Ask that person questions. And that person fully admits to being involved in a crime. At this point, the officer then would read Miranda warnings after the fact. And then after the fact, say, “Hey, listen. You just told me you committed this aggravated battery on this person here at school. I’m going to read you your rights. You the right to remain silent. You the right to an attorney. If you can't afford one, one will be appointed for you. You can exercise these rights at any time.” He would tell them all those things, and then say, “Hey, everything that you just told me, was that true?” And the person would shake his head, “Yeah.” And then the officer would write in his police report, “Client just admitted, post-Miranda, meaning after I read him his warnings, that he was involved in this crime.” Well, a lot of lawyers in the area said, “Well, this doesn't make any sense. I mean obviously this guy, once he answers questions before, and he hasn't been warned, and he said ‘Yes, I am involved in this crime.’” “What’s he going to do? Change his story after the officer reads him his Miranda warnings?” So, the courts have said that you can't cure the defect by reading him his rights and getting him to admit again. And you kind of ‘let the cat out of the bag.’ The protections that the Miranda warnings were designed to provide have absolutely no impact when the person’s already admitted. And say we’re not to introduce that admission into evidence; we’re going to introduce the post-Miranda admission in. But what's the point? What is any reasonable person going to do what he just realizes he admitted to a crime, and the officer Mirandizes him, he’s probably going to say the same thing. “Yeah. I guess I already told you. So, here I am. I guess I'm ‘in for Penny in for a Pound.’” So, courts have had said that law enforcement needs to be very careful about having this sort of interrogation, and then Mirandizing after, and then asking follow-up questions after that. In most cases, and obviously it’s very factually specific, most cases that would be deemed to be a violation of the Miranda warnings. So, the reason Miranda warnings are so important, they may not make an arrest go away or charge go away. But they're so important because a lot of cases the interview of the suspect, or the admission of the client, is a very crucial piece of evidence for the prosecutor. And that's why, you know, for my position, I really never see the benefit, and just walking in and answering a whole bunch of questions. I really never see the benefit because if the office’s believe a person committed a crime, and they believe they have probable cause to make the arrest - they're going to make the arrest whether you say you did it, or you didn't do it. And all a person walking in there, answering questions, is going to do, is potentially add evidence to the case. And if the case is weak, and the officer doesn't know whether a crime happened, you walking in there and telling him you didn't do it, isn't necessary going to help the case. And potentially, it could lay the groundwork that you said something that isn’t particularly helpful down the line. So, if the case is weak, they’re not going arrest if they don’t have probable cause. And if the case is strong, they're going to arrest. So, walking into the lions’ den and answering the questions probably isn't the best strategy. And, I at least would want to know about what the facts of the case are, and what this officer’s looking for beforehand. So, the Miranda warnings, as I was talking about, the failure for an officer to read them, may not have the impact that everyone expects. It may not make the crime go away. And in certain crimes it may have absolutely no impact at all. The state may still have enough evidence that they believe that they can prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a person committed a crime. The cure for, if a person answers questions when he’s in custody and he’s interrogated, the cure for that defect is that they keep all the statements out. So, all the evidence is still there they had up to that point, but any statements or admissions would be kept out. So, in some cases it’s crucial. In some cases, those cases like constructive possession cases, or those cases where there really isn't an identity of a suspect, it's a major piece of evidence that, you know, prosecutors are going to fight like heck to keep in. And, obviously, I’m going to fight like heck to keep out. In a nutshell, Miranda warnings stand for the proposition that you the person being questioned have these rights. Although, you’re intimidated, although you have this fear of being investigated by law enforcement, you still have that power to say, “No. I don't want to answer any questions.” You still have that power to say, “I want my attorney here, by my side.” And if you don't have the financial means, you have the understanding that even if you don't have the money to, one will be provided for you. These are pretty crucial rights that a lot of us have heard time, and time again. It’s not necessarily the words that matter so much, as the act of the person asking the question. Saying, “Hey, listen.” You have this right. You have this power. Officers, oftentimes, don't want to get to that Miranda portion until they have too, because it does at times have a chilling effect on a conversation. And sometimes, when officers are talking with a person and it’s a freewheeling conversation, and it's a is a conversation where he's providing a lot of details and information, officers are kind of loathe to put a chilling effect on that by reading these Miranda warnings. And that’s what it does. It does have a bit of a chilling effect on the interaction. But they have to be very careful. Because if the person is in custody, and they’re asking him questions, they’re going to have to read him Miranda warnings.

听力原文：第一节 Text 1M: Hello, can I help you?W: Yes, please! I like this sweater very much. But it’s too small for me. Do you have it in size 12?M: I am afraid not. Size 10 is the largest we have.Text 2W: Can I help the next person in line?M: I just need to sent this letter the faster way possible.W: Let’s see. We have overnight service businesses. That takes just two days.Text 3W: I heard you’re leaving.M: Yeah, I am moving to New York. I’ve got a new job.W: We’ll miss you.Text 4M: So what do you want to do today? Play tennis?W: Em, no I don’t think so.M: How about swimming? It’s hot today.W: But look at our house, we have to clean the house.Text 5M: We are going to the movies tomorrow afternoon at two. I wonder if you would like to come with us.W: I’d love to, but I can’t. I’ve got a hospital appointment at 2:30.第二节 Text 6May I have your attentions please, ladies and gentleman? This is the restaurant car manager speaking. We would like to inform all passengers that the restaurant car is now open. The restaurant car is in the middle of the train. On sale are tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Our selection of fresh sandwiches, includes egg and tomato, pant and tomato, and chicken and cheese. Any passengers who require lunch, would you please take your seat in the restaurant car. Would passengers kindly note that there will only be one sitting for lunch, thank you.Text 7M: Good morning, Madam.W: Good morning, I wonder if you can help. I’ve lost my coat.M: Oh, where did you lose it madam.W: Ah, I left it on a bus yesterday morning.M: Can you describe it?W: Well, it’s a long white old coat, it’s got a belt and one of those get thick furry collar and keeps your ears warm. It’s a very nice coat actually.M: I am afraid we haven’t got anything like that madam. Sorry.Text 8M: The soup is delicious. What is it Mary?W: I am sorry, what?M: You know sometimes I think you watch too much TV.W: Oh I hardly ever watch TV.M: Are you serious?W: Oh well, sometimes I watch the morning show and I usually watch the late movies.M: And you always have dinner in front of the TV. I mean, you never talk to me.W: Yes, I do. I talk to you during commText 9W: Hi, George, what have you been doing lately? I haven’t seen you around much. Where have you been?M: Oh I was playing the piano for a group in Germany. I just got back.W: It must be exciting playing the piano and traveling all the time.M: Well, playing the piano is great, but the traveling is no fun. Living out of the suitcase all the time. I have just been to my manager and he has offered me a job: playing on the coast for the summer.W: At a seaside town?M: Yes, but I don’t think I am going to take it.W: Why not? Not enough money?M: No, it’s not bad. The money is good. About two hundred dollars a week. It’s just we will be working in the hotel playing for the tourists. And they just want a same old music over and over to dance to. And I get so bored. It’s not like playing music. It’s like being a machine.W: I wouldn’t mind being a machine for that money.Text 10W: There is a restaurant near here. Let’s get something to eat.M: Is it cheap? Oh, I don’t have a lot of money with me so…W: You know that I like fastfood places.M: Em, I don’t really want fastfood today. What about my neighborhood? There’re some cheap restaurants there.W: But your neighborhood is 30 minutes from here by bus. And I am really hungry. It’s 2:30 you know.M: Right, so how about… Oh I know, there is a little French restaurant near here. It’s good and it’s not expensive.W: OK. So let’s go there. Is it far?M: It’s about 15 minutes from here.W: 15 minutes? Well, OK, but let me get a bar of chocolate first. Look, there is a supermarket right over there.M: OK, oh you are hungry.W: Well I usually have lunch at noon.Text 11W: Wait, Ben, did you say you had a party Saturday?M: Yeah, you didn’t know about it? It was my birthday.W: No, I didn’t.M: Oh, I invited you. I sent you an e-mail last week.W: Are you sure? I didn’t get it. Oh, you know what? I didn’t tell you I have a new e-mail address. Oh, I am sorry.M: That’s OK. But I was kind of upset that you weren’t there.W: Really? I was upset too. And the bike trip was just awful. We got lost for four hours.M: Oh, that’s terrible.W: Listen, let’s go out for lunch this weekend. I want to do something for your birthday. M: Oh, you don’t have to.W: I know, but I want to.M: OK, that’s really nice of you, really. So anyway, I have to go now. I have a meeting at 9:30.W: OK, see you later, and happy birthday.

2007高考英语北京卷 听力部分 原文：第一节Text 1W: Where are you from?M: I’m from Atlanta, but I live in New York now.W: I live in Washington D.C. Text 2W: OK, John. How much do you pay for electricity and telephone services?M: My electricity bill is about 50 dollars a month, and my telephone bill is usually 24 dollars a month.W: How much do you pay for transportation?M: 30 dollars a month. Text 3W: Do you happen to know what’s on after the news?M: I think it’s the Animal World. Do you mind if we watch it?W: Mm… can we watch the movie on Channel 6 instead? Text 4M: Hello.W: Hello. I’m calling about the apartment you advertised in the newspaper.M: Two-bedroom or three-bedroom?W: No, the advertisement says one-bedroom, one bath.M: Oh, sorry. That’s not available now. Text 5W: Excuse me.M: Yes?W: I need something for drawing a straight line.M: Oh, you want a ruler. There’s one on my desk. I’ll get it for you. 第二节Text 6M: Mary, I am here!W: Oh, hi! I’m sorry I’m so late. The car wouldn’t start, so I had to come by bus.M: Oh, no. What do you think is the matter with your car?W: Well, it wouldn’t start at all. I mean, I turned the key and nothing happened. So I guess it’s something to do with the electrical system.M: Well, let’s forget about that now, and order our food. What would you like? The fish is good. Text 7M: Right, where shall we go now? We’ve seen the church and the modern art exhibition. I don’t know what else there is here.W: How about some shops? I could buy something to take back for the kids.M: Mm… yes. OK. Let’s go down here and we’ll go into the main street.W: You know, it’s really good of you to spend so much time showing me around.M: Oh, that’s all right. I’m enjoying it, actually. You know how it is. When you live in a town, you never really look at it yourself. Come on, let’s go down here. Text 8W: Do you have a moment, Mark?M: Yeah, sure, Susan.W: I know this is short notice, but I wonder if you’d be able to fly out and give a speech about our project this weekend.M: But I thought you were going to do that.W: Well, yes. I was. But I’m terribly busy at the moment.M: This weekend? Couldn’t John go? He knows all about the project.W: Yeah, but he doesn’t know the people, and he doesn’t know the city. Mark, I think you’re the right person for the job.M: I get the message.W: Thanks, Mark.M: Yeah. Text 9W: Hi, Tony!M: Hello, Kate! How are you?W: Oh, fine, thanks. And you and Jane?M: Oh, we’re fine. How long are you staying?W: Just a couple of days. And then I’ll be back to work in Tokyo.M: What a pity you are not staying in London for a bit longer. Anyway, how about dinner tonight?W: I’d love to, but I’m seeing some customers from Oxford this evening. What about tomorrow?M: That’d be lovely. Jane will be pleased.W: What time shall I come?M: How about eight?W: Great. I’ll see you tomorrow then. Text 10W: Oh, Frank’s in your class? He was in my class last term. I didn’t like him at all.M: What? You didn’t like Frank? He’s one of my best students.W: Oh, no. Not Frank! He was always asking questions. Frank always interrupted me and the other students. He was never quiet.M: Yes, that’s Frank. That’s why he is such a good student. He is always thinking and trying to use English. He laughs a lot. Frank doesn’t worry about making mistakes. I enjoy having him in class.W: Not me. I love students like David. Do you have him in your conversation class this term?M: Yes, but to be honest, David is too quiet for me. I can’t tell if he’s learning. David is so silent. He doesn’t say anything.W: Yes, that’s David. That’s how good students should be. They have to listen to their teachers. Text 11M: When I tell people that I paint the Golden Gate Bridge, they think I start at one end, paint to the other end, and then start again. But that’s not true. We are always painting the bridge. But we have to go where paint is in bad condition. It’s a dangerous job. You have to be careful all the time. You can’t work or appear without safety equipment. And the weather, it gets colder up here. Sometimes it’s so cold there’s ice on the bridge. You have to wear warm clothes. Sometimes it’s windy and foggy. On foggy days, you can’t see anything. Other times, you are both the fog. The view from the top is the thing that I love about the job. On a sunny day like today, you can see from the ocean to the port and all the way to the mountains.

第一节1W: Normally, we supply 3 colors only, black, blue and red.M: But we really want green ones.W: In that case, it will be more expensive.2M: Are you finished with the newspaper, Mary?W: Almost. Here, you can take the news section. And the entertainment section is in the living roo m.M: Oh, I just want to read the sports section.3M: I need a summer job that will give me some exercise.W: How about being a life guard?M: Life guards don’t swim that much. They usually just sit.W: Well then, you could become a swimming coach, or a tour guide.M: Tour guide is a good idea. I’d walk all day.4M: Are you going on holiday with your brother again this year?W: Yes. He’s coming home from Canada tomorrow.M: Where are you going?W: I’ve already booked a hotel in Turkey, but my brother wanted t o go to Italy, so I hope he doesn’t mind.5W: I thought it was a great movie. So visually exciting and the s harks look really scary at times.M: I hated to admit it, but it made me ju mp a bit of times too. I guess recent advances in camera technology helped.第二节6-7M: Hello, 6632278.W: Hi, Jack. It’s me, Ann. I wasn’t at school today. Have we got any homework to do f or tomorrow?M: Let me see. Well, we got to do the math problems on page 40 in our textbook.W: All right. I’ve got it.M: Then, we have to go on with our reading for English. The history teacher wants us to read the chapter on the History of London for tomorrow, and write down the most important dates and events in that chapter.W: Anything else? Ah…music?M: No, we haven’t any music homework, but the science teacher is giving us a test on Friday, so we have to study for that.W: Oh no. I’m so bad at science. I hate it. Thanks, Jack.M: Don’t mention it. See you tomorrow.8-9M: Still feeling ill?W: Yes. That medicine hasn’t helped. Not a good start to our vacat ion, I’m afraid.M: Do you have any idea what caused it?W: Well, I thought it might be last night’s dinner.M: But I’m fine. Could it be the heat? It’s enough to make anyone ill.W: I know. But we’ve been here a week now. Anyway, I’ve been careful in the sun and I’ve been drinking bottles of water.M: Then we’d better stay in the hotel today.10-12M: Well, do you have anything planned for the Saturday?W: Eh, I’m kind of busy. Why do you ask?M: I was wondering if we could get together and do something, like going to a concert or taking a walk by the lake.W: I’d love to, but I’m really busy this weekend.M: That’s too bad.W: I have promised to help with the cleaning of the house at 10:30 in the morning. And then, I have an appointment with the dentist at 12:30pm.M: How about after the dentist’s appointment?W: Then, I have to meet Jim at 4:30pm to help him with the science project due on Monday morning.M: OK, then, maybe some other time.13-15Well, we are now looking at ways to make shopping less tiring. You know, a day at the shops wears people o ut. And we considered a number of ideas. Carrying shopping around is very tiring, and we looked at ways to avoid that. We thought of hiring out small electrically driven cars to shoppers, but we came up against problems of space. There just isn’t enough room. We also thought about those moving walk ways, like the ones you see at the airports. We decided it against then though, because they require a major redesign of the whole center. What we have actually come up with is a new technology where you but what you want and then just leave it on the shelf. That way, you don’t need to carry your heavy shopping around with you all day. When you want to go home, our computer system automatically sends everything you’ve bought to your exit point, and you pick it up there.第三节16-20W: Good morning, Sir. Can you help me?M: What’s wrong?W: My daughter is missing. I can’t find her anywhere.M: OK, calm down. I’m going to help you to find her. How long ago did she go missing?W: About one hour ago. At 4 o’clock, perhaps. I’ve been looking for her for almost an hour now.M: And where did you last see her?W: We were just shopping in the vegetable section. I turned around and she was gone.M: What’s her name?W: Melissa. M-E-L-I-S-S-A. She’s only five. She doesn’t speak Spanish.M: OK. What does she look like?W: She has dark brown hair. She’s thin and small for her age.M: OK. What is she wearing today?W: Blue shorts and a pink T-shir t. She has a hat on too, I think.M: Don’t worry. Ev erything is going to be OK.W: What should I do?M: Stay right at the front of the store in case she is looking for you. We will start looking for her now.

2014年普通高等学校招生全国统一考试（北京卷） 第一节 短对话Text 1W: Anything to drink, Sir?M: What fruit juice do you have?W: We have apple, orange and lemon.M: OK, I'll have an orange juice. Text 2M: What have you been studying?W: Biology and chemistry.I like natural sciences.How about you?M: I prefer social sciences.I like history best. Text 3M: Hello, I'm John.Nice to meet you!W: Nice to meet you, too! I'm Natasha.Are you British?M: No, I'm an American.Where are you from?W: I am from Russia. Text 4M: Good morning.How can I help you?W: I'd like to buy a student bus pass.M: We have weekly, monthly and yearly ones.Which do you want?W: Monthly, please. Text 5M: Mary's birthday is coming.What shall we buy for her?W: Is a pen OK? M: Er… She has lots of pens.What about getting her a bicycle?W: Oh, no.We can't afford it.Let's get her a book.She loves reading very much.M: That's a good idea. Text 6M: Good morning.Anything wrong?W: I've been suffering from a fever since yesterday.M: Do you have any other problems? Like a headache or cough?W: No, I don't.I think it's only a fever.M: Let me check… It's 39 degrees.I'll give you some medicine.W: Thank you, doctor.M: You'd better take two or three days' rest.W: Thanks.M: This medicine is for one day only.Take two pills as soon as you get home, and another two before going to bed.W: I see.Thank you.Text 7M: Hello, hi, Stephanie.W: Hi, Tom.How are things going with you?M: Great.I've signed an agreement with ABC Company.How are things in the office.Is everything OK?W: Yes, when will you be back?M: I'm on the way now.I will be back soon.W: Umm.Can you pick up some paper for the printer? We have run out of paper.M: Hello, hello, what did you say?W: Can you hear me now? I mean I need some paper.M: What? Did you say to pick up some ink for the printer? Sorry, the signal isn't very good here. Can you repeat that, please? W: Well, I'll send you a text message to tell you exactly what I need.M: What? Text 8M: So, what's your plan for this weekend?W: I just want to stay at home.M: How about going to see a movie?W: Sorry, I've been tired these days.I just want to have a good rest.M: But I think going to movies is a better way to relax yourself.W: You're probably right.M: Maybe we should go out to eat first.W: Yeah.I think so.M: I know pizza's been your favorite.Let's meet at Summer Pizza House.I heard they just came out with the new pizza.W: Really? I haven't been there for a long time.When shall we meet?M: Well, the movie is at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.W: Why don't we go to the 2:00 pm show?M: No problem.We can meet at Summer Pizza House at 11:00 am.W: Perfect.If so, we can have plenty of time to enjoy our pizza.Text 9M: I was so excited.Guess what? It was my dad's 40th birthday last month, and so he took us all to London for a weekend.Coolly, we flew over on Thursday evening.As soon as we arrived, we went on the tour of the city.They say London is really beautiful by night.And I was really looking forward to seeing all those famous places.On Friday, we went to the Design Museum.It's not far from our hotel, so we went there on foot.In the afternoon, we visited the London Eye.I was amazed at seeing the Big Ben from up there.Saturday was for shopping.There's no doubt about that.We went to the most famous shops in London.Dad didn't feel like shopping, but he enjoyed when we were there.On Sunday morning, we took a taxi to Hyde Park.And we went home by train in the afternoon. It was my dream trip and it did happen.Text 10W: Chastine Ticket Office.Can I help you?M: Yes, I'd like to buy tickets for the Modern Dance Festival on June 10th.W: One moment, please.We still have seats in the middle section from rows 11 to 15.M: How much is it?W: $45 for one.M: Um… I'll have two, please.W: OK, I'll need your credit card information, please.M: It's a visa card.The number is 256485497215.W: And your name, Sir?M: George Hinde.H-I-N-D-E.W: Let me check.George Hinde.H-I-N-D-E.Is that right?M: Yes.W: How would you like to get your tickets?M: By post, please.W: Your tickets should arrive tomorrow.M: Great.W: Your address, Sir?M: I'm in Room 104, Thomas Place, 74 William Avenue.W: Thank you, Sir.

(image credit: Phier via Wikipedia cc-by-3.0) クリスマス・イブを迎え、今年も残すところあと１週間となりました。先週はクリスマスの日米比較を取り上げましたが、今回は日本とアメリカの新年（New Year's）の過ごし方を比べてみます。 おせち料理、凧揚げ、コマ回し、さらには「寝正月」まで、日本のお正月の風物を英語でどう表現するのでしょうか。日本には「おとしだま」がありますが、ニューヨークのタイムズスクエアで行われる「たまおとし」とは何でしょうか。また、アメリカには日本のような新年の特別な祝い方があるのでしょうか。 忙しい年の瀬ですが、ポッドキャストの番組でどうぞ一息ついてください。 Download MP3 （16:04　10.1MB　初級～中級）New Year's in the States *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） in that 〜 = 〜の点で（because） ※〜の部分には節が来る。会話以外にも、プレゼンやエッセイでも大変役立つ表現。 to be centered on 〜 = 〜を中心としている How so? = どうして？ a giant ball drop = 玉落とし ※ニューヨーク・タイムズスクエアで新年のカウントダウン時に行われる行事。 go off = to happen ※to go off wellで、行事などが「うまく行く」。 confetti = 紙吹雪 to toast (to 〜) = (〜に)乾杯する to be supposed to do = 〜することになっている Which is probably a good thing. = たぶん、それはいいことなんだろうけどね。 ※関係代名詞のwhichが、直前の文全体の内容を表す場合。 この場合、"No(, we don't get money or gifts during New Year's)."を指す。 この関係代名詞Whichで始めるパターンは、会話でもよく使われる。例えば直前の文に対し"Which is good."（「で、それは良いことなんだ」「だったら、いいことだね」）と付け加える時など。 to recover = 取り戻す、回復する to lay around (the house) = ごろごろする *** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:30-05:50 (Natural speed) 12:45-14:35 New Year's in the States M: So, yeah, here in Japan usually we go back and celebrate the New Year with our families. W: That's cool. M: Yeah, we cook special food, and on New Year's Day a lot of people go to shrines. What do you guys do in America? W: Well, usually Christmas is more like how you celebrate New Year's in Japan in that it's pretty centered on the family. New Year's Eve is more of a party day in America. M: Really? How so? W: Well, usually people go to parties on New Year's Eve. They get together and watch a giant ball drop in Times Square in New York City. The ball is made out of crystal, and it slides down a pole, and when the clock changes to the New Year and the countdown goes off, the ball reaches the floor and fireworks and confetti go off! M: Oh, that sounds cool! W: Yeah, it's pretty interesting. M: Are there any other traditions during New Year's Eve? W: Well, a lot of people drink champagne and toast each other at midnight, and you're supposed to have someone to kiss when the countdown finishes! M: How romantic! Hey, do you guys get money or gifts during New Year's? W: Unfortunately, no. Which is probably a good thing considering everybody is usually trying to recover after buying Christmas gifts for everyone else! M: Ah, I see. That makes sense. Well, it definitely sounds like fun. Um, in America you don't do anything special on January 1st? W: Not usually. Families might have their own special traditions, but most families just lay around. M: Well, next year you'll have to show me the American way to celebrate if I'm in the States. W: I'll be sure to have the champagne ready! (Written by Matthew Bola)

(image credit: Phier via Wikipedia cc-by-3.0) クリスマス・イブを迎え、今年も残すところあと１週間となりました。先週はクリスマスの日米比較を取り上げましたが、今回は日本とアメリカの新年（New Year's）の過ごし方を比べてみます。 おせち料理、凧揚げ、コマ回し、さらには「寝正月」まで、日本のお正月の風物を英語でどう表現するのでしょうか。日本には「おとしだま」がありますが、ニューヨークのタイムズスクエアで行われる「たまおとし」とは何でしょうか。また、アメリカには日本のような新年の特別な祝い方があるのでしょうか。 忙しい年の瀬ですが、ポッドキャストの番組でどうぞ一息ついてください。 Download MP3 （16:04　10.1MB　初級～中級）New Year's in the States *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） in that 〜 = 〜の点で（because） ※〜の部分には節が来る。会話以外にも、プレゼンやエッセイでも大変役立つ表現。 to be centered on 〜 = 〜を中心としている How so? = どうして？ a giant ball drop = 玉落とし ※ニューヨーク・タイムズスクエアで新年のカウントダウン時に行われる行事。 go off = to happen ※to go off wellで、行事などが「うまく行く」。 confetti = 紙吹雪 to toast (to 〜) = (〜に)乾杯する to be supposed to do = 〜することになっている Which is probably a good thing. = たぶん、それはいいことなんだろうけどね。 ※関係代名詞のwhichが、直前の文全体の内容を表す場合。 この場合、"No(, we don't get money or gifts during New Year's)."を指す。 この関係代名詞Whichで始めるパターンは、会話でもよく使われる。例えば直前の文に対し"Which is good."（「で、それは良いことなんだ」「だったら、いいことだね」）と付け加える時など。 to recover = 取り戻す、回復する to lay around (the house) = ごろごろする *** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:30-05:50 (Natural speed) 12:45-14:35 New Year's in the States M: So, yeah, here in Japan usually we go back and celebrate the New Year with our families. W: That's cool. M: Yeah, we cook special food, and on New Year's Day a lot of people go to shrines. What do you guys do in America? W: Well, usually Christmas is more like how you celebrate New Year's in Japan in that it's pretty centered on the family. New Year's Eve is more of a party day in America. M: Really? How so? W: Well, usually people go to parties on New Year's Eve. They get together and watch a giant ball drop in Times Square in New York City. The ball is made out of crystal, and it slides down a pole, and when the clock changes to the New Year and the countdown goes off, the ball reaches the floor and fireworks and confetti go off! M: Oh, that sounds cool! W: Yeah, it's pretty interesting. M: Are there any other traditions during New Year's Eve? W: Well, a lot of people drink champagne and toast each other at midnight, and you're supposed to have someone to kiss when the countdown finishes! M: How romantic! Hey, do you guys get money or gifts during New Year's? W: Unfortunately, no. Which is probably a good thing considering everybody is usually trying to recover after buying Christmas gifts for everyone else! M: Ah, I see. That makes sense. Well, it definitely sounds like fun. Um, in America you don't do anything special on January 1st? W: Not usually. Families might have their own special traditions, but most families just lay around. M: Well, next year you'll have to show me the American way to celebrate if I'm in the States. W: I'll be sure to have the champagne ready! (Written by Matthew Bola)

(image credit: schoolfreeware via Openclipart pd) 今回は映画についての会話をお届けします。 先月の異文化ディスカッションでも映画の話題が登場しましたが、好きな映画や最近見た映画について英語で話せるようにしておくと、ちょっとしたおしゃべりの場面で役立ちます。また、映画の有名なセリフを会話や文章の引き立て役として引用してみる（quote）のも面白いですね。 このように会話の話題として重宝する映画ですが、好き嫌いをあまりに主張しすぎるのは禁物です。今回登場するカップルも、どうやら映画の好みをめぐってもめているようですね・・・。 Download MP3 （17:49　10.7MB　初級～中級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） to narrow ... down = ...（の候補）を絞る 例：You should narrow down the topic when writing an essay. to rule out = を除外する sappy = 感傷的な mafia = マフィア just because [S + V] doesn't mean (that) {S + V} = [SがV]だからと言って、{SがV}なわけではない iconic movie moments = famous and impressive movie scenes a lame movie = a bad and stupid movie Charleston = チャールストン（サウスカロライナ州都） ※女性が直後に指摘しているように、映画Gone with the Wind（風と共に去りぬ）の中で燃えていたのはジョージア州都のAtlanta。 "Frankly my dear I just don't give a damn." = 「俺の知ったことか」 ※映画Gone with the Windのラストシーンで、RhettがScarlettに放つセリフ。日本では、この後でScarlettの言う"After all, tomorrow is another day."（結局、明日という日があるのだから）が有名だが、アメリカでは上記のRhettのセリフの方が知られている（Wikipedia「風と共に去りぬ (映画)」より）。 ※"to not give a damn"= (spoken, not polite) to not care at all about someone or something (LDOCE Online) to quote = から引用する "The Shining" = シャイニング ※Stephen King原作、Stanley Kubrick監督、Jack Nicholson主演の映画（1980年）。本作品の英語の題にはTheがつくことに注意。 "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" = カッコーの巣の上で ※Ken Kesey原作、Miloš Forman監督、Jack Nicholson主演の映画（1975年）。 to go out together = （恋人同士が）つき合う Seven = David Fincher監督、Brad Pitt主演の映画（1995年）。キリスト教の「７つの大罪」（Seven Deadly Sins: pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, lust）をモチーフとしたサイコサスペンス。 to break up = （恋人同士が）別れる melodramatic = 芝居がかった *** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:10-05:10 (Natural speed) 13:50-16:10 Melodramatic Movie Selections Scene: A couple at a movie store. W: So what do you want to watch tonight? M: I don't know…. What do YOU want to watch tonight? W: I don't know either… Hmm, let's narrow it down. M: OK, well, let's rule out romance movies and sappy love stories. W: Hey, we never get to watch those types of movies. M: You had your chance. Now, what type do you not want to watch? W: I don't want to watch any mafia or gangster movies. M: Hey, just because I made you watch all three of "The Godfather" movies doesn't mean we can't watch other mafia movies. W: You made me watch each one twice! M: That series has some of the most iconic movie moments in the whole of American film history! W: Oh, please. "Gone with the Wind," now THAT is an iconic movie. M: Psh, that was a lame movie. Nobody cares that Charleston was burning, so "Frankly my dear I just don't give a damn." W: It was Atlanta for one, and obviously it wasn't that bad of a movie if you're quoting it! M: OK, fine. How about we watch "The Shining"? Its classic American horror, and Jack Nicolson at his finest. W: I thought he was better in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." M: Sometimes I wonder why we're going out together. W: Really? You can honestly say you didn't like THAT movie? M: No, I didn't say that. But "The Shining" is clearly better. W: …Fine… How about the movie "Seven." M: I've never heard of it. W: Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt try to hunt down a serial killer who is killing people according to the seven deadly sins. M: Eh, sounds pretty awesome, but I don't think I'm really in the mood for a serial killer movie. W: Didn't you just suggest "The Shining?" M: It's different! W: OK, fine. What do YOU want to watch? M: How about something classic and neutral. How about one of the Indiana Jones movies? W: Oh, I don't actually like those. M: We're breaking up. Right now! W: Come on, stop being so melodramatic! (Written by Matthew Bola)

(image credit: schoolfreeware via Openclipart pd) 今回は映画についての会話をお届けします。 先月の異文化ディスカッションでも映画の話題が登場しましたが、好きな映画や最近見た映画について英語で話せるようにしておくと、ちょっとしたおしゃべりの場面で役立ちます。また、映画の有名なセリフを会話や文章の引き立て役として引用してみる（quote）のも面白いですね。 このように会話の話題として重宝する映画ですが、好き嫌いをあまりに主張しすぎるのは禁物です。今回登場するカップルも、どうやら映画の好みをめぐってもめているようですね・・・。 Download MP3 （17:49　10.7MB　初級～中級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） to narrow ... down = ...（の候補）を絞る 例：You should narrow down the topic when writing an essay. to rule out = を除外する sappy = 感傷的な mafia = マフィア just because [S + V] doesn't mean (that) {S + V} = [SがV]だからと言って、{SがV}なわけではない iconic movie moments = famous and impressive movie scenes a lame movie = a bad and stupid movie Charleston = チャールストン（サウスカロライナ州都） ※女性が直後に指摘しているように、映画Gone with the Wind（風と共に去りぬ）の中で燃えていたのはジョージア州都のAtlanta。 "Frankly my dear I just don't give a damn." = 「俺の知ったことか」 ※映画Gone with the Windのラストシーンで、RhettがScarlettに放つセリフ。日本では、この後でScarlettの言う"After all, tomorrow is another day."（結局、明日という日があるのだから）が有名だが、アメリカでは上記のRhettのセリフの方が知られている（Wikipedia「風と共に去りぬ (映画)」より）。 ※"to not give a damn"= (spoken, not polite) to not care at all about someone or something (LDOCE Online) to quote = から引用する "The Shining" = シャイニング ※Stephen King原作、Stanley Kubrick監督、Jack Nicholson主演の映画（1980年）。本作品の英語の題にはTheがつくことに注意。 "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" = カッコーの巣の上で ※Ken Kesey原作、Miloš Forman監督、Jack Nicholson主演の映画（1975年）。 to go out together = （恋人同士が）つき合う Seven = David Fincher監督、Brad Pitt主演の映画（1995年）。キリスト教の「７つの大罪」（Seven Deadly Sins: pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, lust）をモチーフとしたサイコサスペンス。 to break up = （恋人同士が）別れる melodramatic = 芝居がかった *** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:10-05:10 (Natural speed) 13:50-16:10 Melodramatic Movie Selections Scene: A couple at a movie store. W: So what do you want to watch tonight? M: I don't know…. What do YOU want to watch tonight? W: I don't know either… Hmm, let's narrow it down. M: OK, well, let's rule out romance movies and sappy love stories. W: Hey, we never get to watch those types of movies. M: You had your chance. Now, what type do you not want to watch? W: I don't want to watch any mafia or gangster movies. M: Hey, just because I made you watch all three of "The Godfather" movies doesn't mean we can't watch other mafia movies. W: You made me watch each one twice! M: That series has some of the most iconic movie moments in the whole of American film history! W: Oh, please. "Gone with the Wind," now THAT is an iconic movie. M: Psh, that was a lame movie. Nobody cares that Charleston was burning, so "Frankly my dear I just don't give a damn." W: It was Atlanta for one, and obviously it wasn't that bad of a movie if you're quoting it! M: OK, fine. How about we watch "The Shining"? Its classic American horror, and Jack Nicolson at his finest. W: I thought he was better in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." M: Sometimes I wonder why we're going out together. W: Really? You can honestly say you didn't like THAT movie? M: No, I didn't say that. But "The Shining" is clearly better. W: …Fine… How about the movie "Seven." M: I've never heard of it. W: Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt try to hunt down a serial killer who is killing people according to the seven deadly sins. M: Eh, sounds pretty awesome, but I don't think I'm really in the mood for a serial killer movie. W: Didn't you just suggest "The Shining?" M: It's different! W: OK, fine. What do YOU want to watch? M: How about something classic and neutral. How about one of the Indiana Jones movies? W: Oh, I don't actually like those. M: We're breaking up. Right now! W: Come on, stop being so melodramatic! (Written by Matthew Bola)

７月と８月の第１週は「ドラマで英語を学ぼう」の新作「ニュージーランドの旅人（A Tourist in New Zealand）」をお届けします。 舞台はニュージーランドの北島。日本人女性のMaiが首都ウェリントン（Wellington）行の列車を待っています。Maiは友人のJaneとウェリントンを観光する予定だったのですが、彼女の前に現れたのはJaneではなく、お兄さんのBob。都合のつかなかった妹に代わって彼がMaiの観光案内を買って出ます。果たしてこの二人のお話のゆくえは・・・？ 今回お借りした素材 写真：Wikipedia Download MP3 （11:02　6.4MB　中級） "A Tourist in New Zealand" (C) 2012 Ayumi Furutani and FLaRE.A Tourist in New Zealand (Part 1) Written by Ayumi Furutani (At a train station in New Zealand) M: Hi. You're Mai? W: Yes… M: I'm Bob, Jane's brother. Nice to meet you! W: Nice to meet you, Bob. M: Unfortunately, Jane couldn't come today. Is it OK if I take you to the city? W: Oh, thanks. I did hear Jane's busy today. I thought I'd have to walk around the city by myself. But I don't want to trouble you. M: No worries. It's my pleasure. We'll take the train there. Oh, here it comes! W: Um… I don't have a ticket yet. M: We can get it in the train. Come on! (In the train) M: Let's sit over there…Two tickets please…Thanks. W: How long does it take to Wellington? M: About 30 minutes. You can see Wellington Harbour on your left. W: Oh, it's so beautiful! M: It looks good on sunny days. If you're lucky, you can see dolphins swimming in the sea sometimes! W: Really? M: Yeah. The nature here is really awesome. W: I heard there are whale-watching sites? M: Yeah. You can often see whales off South Island. Are you planning to go there? W: If I have a chance, I'd love to. Actually, I'm thinking of going to South Island next week. M: How long are you staying in New Zealand? W: I'll be here for 2 weeks. And it's my 4th day now. M: Where did you go before coming here? W: I arrived at Auckland Airport, and I went sightseeing around there. Then I rented a car for just 2 days and came down here. I was surprised that the motorway is free in New Zealand. We have to pay for it back in Japan. M: Is that so? Well, we probably pay more taxes than you do in Japan! How long did it take to get here from Auckland? W: Well…I stopped at a bunch of places on the way, so it took me about 12 hours. But it was a fun drive. M: Where did you stop? W: I stopped at Hamilton, Taupo, and some other small towns. I saw a big lake in Taupo and I went to a spa there. We have something like that, called onsens, in Japan. M: Yeah, Taupo is famous for spas. Did you see Huka Falls? W: No. Is it famous? M: Yeah. It's a really big waterfall. Did you try bungee jumping in Taupo? W: No... Is there a bungee jumping site in Taupo? M: Yeah. It's not that high, I guess…There are some crazier ones on South Island-- higher than the Taupo one. So you can try one of those when you go there. W: OK, I will…Are we at Wellington yet? M: We're almost there…You can see the stadium over there. W: Oh, yeah. Is that a rugby stadium? M: Yes. I think there's a game on tonight…The Hurricanes and the Blues. W: What are the Hurricanes? M: The Hurricanes are a rugby team based in Wellington. There's a league called Super14. There are 14 teams from 3 countries: New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. W: All Blacks is one of the top teams in rugby, so the league games would be very exciting. Do you think I can still get a ticket? M: …I was going to surprise you but…OK, I've got a ticket for you! Let's go to the game tonight! W: Really? Thank you very much. I can't wait! M: Oh, we're getting off now. It's Wellington Station. W: This station is beautiful. It's like the one in Harry Potter! M: Ha ha. It must be different from the stations in Japan. This way…I'll show you Wellington City. W: Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, right? It looks different from Auckland. M: Yes. Auckland is the biggest city, but Wellington is the capital. I'll show you the government buildings later. W: Where are we going? M: We're going to the National Museum, called Te Papa. W: Is it that building over there? M: Yes. And it's free to enter. W: Wow, you're lucky to live here! There are so many free things! 

７月と８月の第１週は「ドラマで英語を学ぼう」の新作「ニュージーランドの旅人（A Tourist in New Zealand）」をお届けします。 舞台はニュージーランドの北島。日本人女性のMaiが首都ウェリントン（Wellington）行の列車を待っています。Maiは友人のJaneとウェリントンを観光する予定だったのですが、彼女の前に現れたのはJaneではなく、お兄さんのBob。都合のつかなかった妹に代わって彼がMaiの観光案内を買って出ます。果たしてこの二人のお話のゆくえは・・・？ 今回お借りした素材 写真：Wikipedia Download MP3 （11:02　6.4MB　中級） "A Tourist in New Zealand" (C) 2012 Ayumi Furutani and FLaRE.A Tourist in New Zealand (Part 1) Written by Ayumi Furutani (At a train station in New Zealand) M: Hi. You're Mai? W: Yes… M: I'm Bob, Jane's brother. Nice to meet you! W: Nice to meet you, Bob. M: Unfortunately, Jane couldn't come today. Is it OK if I take you to the city? W: Oh, thanks. I did hear Jane's busy today. I thought I'd have to walk around the city by myself. But I don't want to trouble you. M: No worries. It's my pleasure. We'll take the train there. Oh, here it comes! W: Um… I don't have a ticket yet. M: We can get it in the train. Come on! (In the train) M: Let's sit over there…Two tickets please…Thanks. W: How long does it take to Wellington? M: About 30 minutes. You can see Wellington Harbour on your left. W: Oh, it's so beautiful! M: It looks good on sunny days. If you're lucky, you can see dolphins swimming in the sea sometimes! W: Really? M: Yeah. The nature here is really awesome. W: I heard there are whale-watching sites? M: Yeah. You can often see whales off South Island. Are you planning to go there? W: If I have a chance, I'd love to. Actually, I'm thinking of going to South Island next week. M: How long are you staying in New Zealand? W: I'll be here for 2 weeks. And it's my 4th day now. M: Where did you go before coming here? W: I arrived at Auckland Airport, and I went sightseeing around there. Then I rented a car for just 2 days and came down here. I was surprised that the motorway is free in New Zealand. We have to pay for it back in Japan. M: Is that so? Well, we probably pay more taxes than you do in Japan! How long did it take to get here from Auckland? W: Well…I stopped at a bunch of places on the way, so it took me about 12 hours. But it was a fun drive. M: Where did you stop? W: I stopped at Hamilton, Taupo, and some other small towns. I saw a big lake in Taupo and I went to a spa there. We have something like that, called onsens, in Japan. M: Yeah, Taupo is famous for spas. Did you see Huka Falls? W: No. Is it famous? M: Yeah. It's a really big waterfall. Did you try bungee jumping in Taupo? W: No... Is there a bungee jumping site in Taupo? M: Yeah. It's not that high, I guess…There are some crazier ones on South Island-- higher than the Taupo one. So you can try one of those when you go there. W: OK, I will…Are we at Wellington yet? M: We're almost there…You can see the stadium over there. W: Oh, yeah. Is that a rugby stadium? M: Yes. I think there's a game on tonight…The Hurricanes and the Blues. W: What are the Hurricanes? M: The Hurricanes are a rugby team based in Wellington. There's a league called Super14. There are 14 teams from 3 countries: New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. W: All Blacks is one of the top teams in rugby, so the league games would be very exciting. Do you think I can still get a ticket? M: …I was going to surprise you but…OK, I've got a ticket for you! Let's go to the game tonight! W: Really? Thank you very much. I can't wait! M: Oh, we're getting off now. It's Wellington Station. W: This station is beautiful. It's like the one in Harry Potter! M: Ha ha. It must be different from the stations in Japan. This way…I'll show you Wellington City. W: Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, right? It looks different from Auckland. M: Yes. Auckland is the biggest city, but Wellington is the capital. I'll show you the government buildings later. W: Where are we going? M: We're going to the National Museum, called Te Papa. W: Is it that building over there? M: Yes. And it's free to enter. W: Wow, you're lucky to live here! There are so many free things! 

K - Hello, my name‛s Kate. I’‛m English. Nice to meet you ! M - Hi, I’‛m Matthew, I come from Los Angeles. Nice to meet you, too ! K - Let’‛s go to the stadium ! Hey, taxi ! M - Is that Buckingham Palace ? K - Yes it is. The Queen lives here ! And she is in ! M - How do you know ?
K - Because the Royal Standard is flying ! M - Now Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament ! That‛s beautiful ! K - Here is St Paul‛s Cathedral.
M - I can see the Tower of London too. What about the ravens ?
K - There are 7 living there !

今回は、ペットショップでの会話をお届けします。ペットについては以前も取り上げましたが、単なる愛玩の対象ではなく、家族の一員、人間の仲間として扱ってあげることが大事ですね。 会話では男女がどのような動物を飼おうか話をしています。女性は猫、男性は犬を提案しますが、それぞれ相手の提案に反対します。彼らはどのような理由で反対しているのでしょうか。 今回お借りした素材 画像（チワワ）：Wikipediaより 効果音：The Freesound Projectより Download MP3 （14:45　8.5MB　初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 01:45-4:05 (Natural speed) 11:05-12:50 A Pet Store M: Surprise! You can open your eyes now. W: Wow! We're at the pet store? I thought you said you didn't want pets! M: I know. But you always talk about how much you loved your old dog. So, I thought we'd give this whole pet thing a try. Happy Birthday! W: Thank you so much! You're the best! (big kiss sound) M: So, what type of pet do you want? W: How about a cat? M: Definitely not. You know I'm allergic to cats. W: I know. I was just kidding. I don't really like cats all that much anyway. M: How about we start with dogs… Oh, how about this one? W: You want a Greyhound? M: Yeah. Why not? He'll grow up to be big and strong. Just like me. And he even has a company named after him! W: I say no. I can't even walk him once he gets bigger. He'll be walking me! M: OK, you choose one then. W: Let's see. OK, how about this Chihuahua? She's so cute! M: No. I definitely don't want a dog that will be dressed in pink clothes! I'll be laughed at when the neighbors see a big man walking a little dog. Besides, what if I step on it? Game over! W: Yeah, good point. It wouldn't have a chance. But, those are the only dogs here today. M: Well, we can always come back. W: No. Getting you to come back to the pet store again is impossible. M: Yeah. Well, we can always come back next year. For your next birthday. W: Ha, ha. Very funny. No, let's choose a pet today. Let's see. Oh, how about those lovebirds? One for me, and one for you! Perfect. M: I guess. How about something a little quieter? W: You mean like a fish or a lizard? M: Yeah! Those sound really cool. I want one of those monster lizards. We'll soon be the proud owners of Godzilla! W: You're right. It's better to come back next year! (Written by Kyle Kumashiro)

今回は、ペットショップでの会話をお届けします。ペットについては以前も取り上げましたが、単なる愛玩の対象ではなく、家族の一員、人間の仲間として扱ってあげることが大事ですね。 会話では男女がどのような動物を飼おうか話をしています。女性は猫、男性は犬を提案しますが、それぞれ相手の提案に反対します。彼らはどのような理由で反対しているのでしょうか。 今回お借りした素材 画像（チワワ）：Wikipediaより 効果音：The Freesound Projectより Download MP3 （14:45　8.5MB　初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 01:45-4:05 (Natural speed) 11:05-12:50 A Pet Store M: Surprise! You can open your eyes now. W: Wow! We're at the pet store? I thought you said you didn't want pets! M: I know. But you always talk about how much you loved your old dog. So, I thought we'd give this whole pet thing a try. Happy Birthday! W: Thank you so much! You're the best! (big kiss sound) M: So, what type of pet do you want? W: How about a cat? M: Definitely not. You know I'm allergic to cats. W: I know. I was just kidding. I don't really like cats all that much anyway. M: How about we start with dogs… Oh, how about this one? W: You want a Greyhound? M: Yeah. Why not? He'll grow up to be big and strong. Just like me. And he even has a company named after him! W: I say no. I can't even walk him once he gets bigger. He'll be walking me! M: OK, you choose one then. W: Let's see. OK, how about this Chihuahua? She's so cute! M: No. I definitely don't want a dog that will be dressed in pink clothes! I'll be laughed at when the neighbors see a big man walking a little dog. Besides, what if I step on it? Game over! W: Yeah, good point. It wouldn't have a chance. But, those are the only dogs here today. M: Well, we can always come back. W: No. Getting you to come back to the pet store again is impossible. M: Yeah. Well, we can always come back next year. For your next birthday. W: Ha, ha. Very funny. No, let's choose a pet today. Let's see. Oh, how about those lovebirds? One for me, and one for you! Perfect. M: I guess. How about something a little quieter? W: You mean like a fish or a lizard? M: Yeah! Those sound really cool. I want one of those monster lizards. We'll soon be the proud owners of Godzilla! W: You're right. It's better to come back next year! (Written by Kyle Kumashiro)

春は多くの人が新たな場所で新生活を始める季節です。リスナーの皆さんの中にも、新年度に向けてアパート探しをしている方がいるかも知れません。今回は、そんなアパート探しの会話をお届けします。 会話では、アパートの物件を見に来た男性と仲介人の女性との会話です。男性はこのアパートについて女性にどのような質問をしていますか。また、会話の最後では交渉に役立つ会話表現が登場していますが、男性は家賃についてどのように交渉をしていますか。 今回お借りした素材 画像：PD Photo.orgより Download MP3 （21:27　12.4MB　初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:15-5:40 (Natural speed) 17:35-19:25 Renting Out a New Place M: Hey, thanks for taking the time today to show me the apartment. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! W: No problem. It IS my job, after all. This apartment really is a great deal, though. And the location! The living room and master bedroom face south, so you should be able to keep warm in the winter. Also, with those new skylights installed, you would save a bundle on electricity bills. M: How long has this apartment complex been around? W: It was just finished last summer, so only a year and a half. Plus, this is an upscale neighborhood And the management here is very attentive. Security guards are on duty round-the-clock, and the cleaning of public areas is very thorough. As you can see, this lobby is spotless! M: Hey, you’re right! No speck of dust in sight! The management here has done a really great job, and all the greenery looks nice too. One question, though—what’s the parking situation around here? W: All of the parking space is in underground garages in this neighborhood, accessible by elevator or stairs. The neighborhood is also well-equipped with various facilities, like a gym, indoor pool, tennis court… you name it! There’s a shopping center right around the corner, and the subway is less than 10 minutes away. M: Hmm… I’m intrigued… Really, this is all too perfect. It’s just… the rent is a bit more expensive than I can afford at the moment. I’m still a student, and there’s no way I can manage $1,100 a month on a part-time salary. W: Well, you said yourself that this apartment and the neighborhood are top quality. You get what you pay for, you know. I promise you: this is an amazing value for the facilities and accommodations we’re offering here. But maybe I could give you 10% off the first month’s rent if you sign today? M: I’d sign a year contract right now if you gave me 20% off the rent… W: Come on, 20% is unreasonable for this place. Um… 15% off and we have a deal. M: You have yourself a deal!  (Written by Nathan Olson)

春は多くの人が新たな場所で新生活を始める季節です。リスナーの皆さんの中にも、新年度に向けてアパート探しをしている方がいるかも知れません。今回は、そんなアパート探しの会話をお届けします。 会話では、アパートの物件を見に来た男性と仲介人の女性との会話です。男性はこのアパートについて女性にどのような質問をしていますか。また、会話の最後では交渉に役立つ会話表現が登場していますが、男性は家賃についてどのように交渉をしていますか。 今回お借りした素材 画像：PD Photo.orgより Download MP3 （21:27　12.4MB　初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:15-5:40 (Natural speed) 17:35-19:25 Renting Out a New Place M: Hey, thanks for taking the time today to show me the apartment. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! W: No problem. It IS my job, after all. This apartment really is a great deal, though. And the location! The living room and master bedroom face south, so you should be able to keep warm in the winter. Also, with those new skylights installed, you would save a bundle on electricity bills. M: How long has this apartment complex been around? W: It was just finished last summer, so only a year and a half. Plus, this is an upscale neighborhood And the management here is very attentive. Security guards are on duty round-the-clock, and the cleaning of public areas is very thorough. As you can see, this lobby is spotless! M: Hey, you’re right! No speck of dust in sight! The management here has done a really great job, and all the greenery looks nice too. One question, though—what’s the parking situation around here? W: All of the parking space is in underground garages in this neighborhood, accessible by elevator or stairs. The neighborhood is also well-equipped with various facilities, like a gym, indoor pool, tennis court… you name it! There’s a shopping center right around the corner, and the subway is less than 10 minutes away. M: Hmm… I’m intrigued… Really, this is all too perfect. It’s just… the rent is a bit more expensive than I can afford at the moment. I’m still a student, and there’s no way I can manage $1,100 a month on a part-time salary. W: Well, you said yourself that this apartment and the neighborhood are top quality. You get what you pay for, you know. I promise you: this is an amazing value for the facilities and accommodations we’re offering here. But maybe I could give you 10% off the first month’s rent if you sign today? M: I’d sign a year contract right now if you gave me 20% off the rent… W: Come on, 20% is unreasonable for this place. Um… 15% off and we have a deal. M: You have yourself a deal!  (Written by Nathan Olson)

前回のエピソードで、タバコをやめられないのを悩んでいた男性が、中毒患者の専門医（an addiction medical specialist）を受診します。お医者さんはこの男性に、ちょっと変わった治療を施しますが、それはどのような治療でしょうか。また、男性は悪い習慣をやめることができるのでしょうか・・・。 今回お借りした素材 画像：PD Photo.orgより BGM：パブリックドメイン・クラシックより Download MP3 （18:14　10.5MB　初級～中級） ** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:15-04:30 (Natural speed) 13:50-15:45 Cigarettes and Gambling (2) (Scene: A man consults an addiction medical specialist to try and figure out a way to quit smoking for good.) W: Hi Warren. How are you feeling today? It's been a while since I saw you last. Is everything going alright with the… I mean, you're not still going to the horse tracks, are you? M: No, Doctor Rose. Thanks to you, I've completely lost my urge to gamble. But that's not why I came here today. I've been feeling depressed lately, and want to improve my health, but I can't stop smoking cigarettes. Every time I do a push-up, it seems like the urge to smoke just gets stronger. Can you help me, doc? W: OK, then go ahead and quit smoking. M: Um… But I've tried quitting 12 times in the past and failed every time. I've tried everything: Gum, filters, all of those things marketed for people who want to quit smoking. W: Hmm… OK, then let's try this. Lie down on the bed. M: Alright, but I don't see how this is going to… W: Look at this coin very carefully…(hypnotic music plays) You're getting sleepy…sleepy... You feel good…you don't want to smoke anymore! OK, now open your eyes. Now, look at this cigarette. Do you want to smoke? M: Uh... No, that's disgusting! I don't want to smoke at all! I don't want to smoke another cigarette ever again! Wow, Doctor, this is amazing! W: Yeah, that's a little trick I picked up in medical school. (To self: Unfortunately, it only works to block one of the instant-gratification receptors in the brain at a time.) M: How much do you want to bet it worked? I'll bet you that I never want to smoke another cigarette as long as I live. In fact, I'm feeling so lucky that I'll bet if I pick a random horse off the roster it will win against 10-1 odds, and if I lose, I'm going double or nothing. Man, all of a sudden I have the strangest urge to get back down to the tracks… It's time to win some money! W: Oh dear. And the vicious cycle starts again… (Written by Nathan Olson)

前回のエピソードで、タバコをやめられないのを悩んでいた男性が、中毒患者の専門医（an addiction medical specialist）を受診します。お医者さんはこの男性に、ちょっと変わった治療を施しますが、それはどのような治療でしょうか。また、男性は悪い習慣をやめることができるのでしょうか・・・。 今回お借りした素材 画像：PD Photo.orgより BGM：パブリックドメイン・クラシックより Download MP3 （18:14　10.5MB　初級～中級） ** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:15-04:30 (Natural speed) 13:50-15:45 Cigarettes and Gambling (2) (Scene: A man consults an addiction medical specialist to try and figure out a way to quit smoking for good.) W: Hi Warren. How are you feeling today? It's been a while since I saw you last. Is everything going alright with the… I mean, you're not still going to the horse tracks, are you? M: No, Doctor Rose. Thanks to you, I've completely lost my urge to gamble. But that's not why I came here today. I've been feeling depressed lately, and want to improve my health, but I can't stop smoking cigarettes. Every time I do a push-up, it seems like the urge to smoke just gets stronger. Can you help me, doc? W: OK, then go ahead and quit smoking. M: Um… But I've tried quitting 12 times in the past and failed every time. I've tried everything: Gum, filters, all of those things marketed for people who want to quit smoking. W: Hmm… OK, then let's try this. Lie down on the bed. M: Alright, but I don't see how this is going to… W: Look at this coin very carefully…(hypnotic music plays) You're getting sleepy…sleepy... You feel good…you don't want to smoke anymore! OK, now open your eyes. Now, look at this cigarette. Do you want to smoke? M: Uh... No, that's disgusting! I don't want to smoke at all! I don't want to smoke another cigarette ever again! Wow, Doctor, this is amazing! W: Yeah, that's a little trick I picked up in medical school. (To self: Unfortunately, it only works to block one of the instant-gratification receptors in the brain at a time.) M: How much do you want to bet it worked? I'll bet you that I never want to smoke another cigarette as long as I live. In fact, I'm feeling so lucky that I'll bet if I pick a random horse off the roster it will win against 10-1 odds, and if I lose, I'm going double or nothing. Man, all of a sudden I have the strangest urge to get back down to the tracks… It's time to win some money! W: Oh dear. And the vicious cycle starts again… (Written by Nathan Olson)

もうすぐバレンタインデー（St. Valentine's Day）。今年は久々に平日のバレンタインデーとあって、デパートなどのチョコレート売場での販売にも熱が入っているようです。というわけで、今回はバレンタインデーにちなんで恋のお話をお届けします。 今回の会話では、最近新しいボーイフレンドとができたらしい女性に、男友達がいろいろと尋ねている場面です。どうやら、彼女は浜辺でデートしていた姿を目撃されたようです。女性によると、この出会い方について「今までの人生の中で最低なところまで落ちてしまった」（I've sunk to an all-time low.）と語っていますが、この女性はどのようにして彼氏と知り合ったのでしょうか。 番組では、バレンタインデーの歴史や、アメリカの若者の恋愛事情などを、Joeが紹介します。 今回お借りした素材 写真：PD Photo.orgより Download MP3 （21:04　12.1MB　初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:30-05:05 (Natural speed) 16:35-17:50 Valentine's Day on the Beach M: So…rumor has it that you went to the beach with a guy yesterday. A new boyfriend? W: What? How on earth did you hear about that? M: Your brother spilled the beans, and now I’m letting the cat out of the bag, too! W: Errr…the rat. M: Ha...so, how’d it go? Were there any…um, uncomfortable silences? W: Talking was OK. M: And so, who is he? What’s he like? Did you meet him while you were out surfing? W: Not surfing... Now, you have to promise-- and I mean swear-- not to tell anyone this, but I’ve sunk to an all-time low. M: How do you mean? What are you talking about? I promise. W: I contacted a dating agency. M: Oh, I see. That’s alright. No shame in that! Hey, it’s worked for you, right? You’ve been on a date! Do you think you might like the guy? W: I don’t know. He’s interesting. I’m not sure if I’m attracted to him, though. M: Well, you just met him. Maybe he’ll end up being just someone else to hang out with...or maybe… well, you never know! W: Sure, sure, but it’s all a bit weird. Hey, what about you? Enough about me! Have you found some beauty out there yet? M: Don’t be ridiculous, of course not... I’m thinking an agency could be a good move for me, too! (Written by Helen Needs)

もうすぐバレンタインデー（St. Valentine's Day）。今年は久々に平日のバレンタインデーとあって、デパートなどのチョコレート売場での販売にも熱が入っているようです。というわけで、今回はバレンタインデーにちなんで恋のお話をお届けします。 今回の会話では、最近新しいボーイフレンドとができたらしい女性に、男友達がいろいろと尋ねている場面です。どうやら、彼女は浜辺でデートしていた姿を目撃されたようです。女性によると、この出会い方について「今までの人生の中で最低なところまで落ちてしまった」（I've sunk to an all-time low.）と語っていますが、この女性はどのようにして彼氏と知り合ったのでしょうか。 番組では、バレンタインデーの歴史や、アメリカの若者の恋愛事情などを、Joeが紹介します。 今回お借りした素材 写真：PD Photo.orgより Download MP3 （21:04　12.1MB　初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:30-05:05 (Natural speed) 16:35-17:50 Valentine's Day on the Beach M: So…rumor has it that you went to the beach with a guy yesterday. A new boyfriend? W: What? How on earth did you hear about that? M: Your brother spilled the beans, and now I’m letting the cat out of the bag, too! W: Errr…the rat. M: Ha...so, how’d it go? Were there any…um, uncomfortable silences? W: Talking was OK. M: And so, who is he? What’s he like? Did you meet him while you were out surfing? W: Not surfing... Now, you have to promise-- and I mean swear-- not to tell anyone this, but I’ve sunk to an all-time low. M: How do you mean? What are you talking about? I promise. W: I contacted a dating agency. M: Oh, I see. That’s alright. No shame in that! Hey, it’s worked for you, right? You’ve been on a date! Do you think you might like the guy? W: I don’t know. He’s interesting. I’m not sure if I’m attracted to him, though. M: Well, you just met him. Maybe he’ll end up being just someone else to hang out with...or maybe… well, you never know! W: Sure, sure, but it’s all a bit weird. Hey, what about you? Enough about me! Have you found some beauty out there yet? M: Don’t be ridiculous, of course not... I’m thinking an agency could be a good move for me, too! (Written by Helen Needs)

今回のテーマは「囲炉裏と家族の交流」です。 少し昔の日本の映画やドラマでは、家族が囲炉裏（fireplaces）を囲んで交流する場面がたびたび描かれています。囲炉裏は暖房や料理のほかに、家族の集う場として大切な役割を持っていました。 時代は変わり、囲炉裏のある家屋はすっかり姿を消してしまいましたが、家族の会話はどうなったのでしょうか・・・。 今回お借りした素材 写真（囲炉裏）：Wikipedia Download MP3 （18:55　10.9MB　初級～中級）*** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:12-05:30 (Natural speed) 14:20-16:53 (At a traditional Japanese restaurant) M: Hey, look at this! It's an irori, right? Wow! It's awesome! W: Yes, it's a traditional Japanese fireplace. M: In olden days, these fireplaces were used for cooking and heating the room, right? W: Yeah. Wow, I'm kind of surprised. I didn't know you were so interested in these fireplaces. You know, there are other ways to use these fireplaces, besides cooking and heating rooms. Of course, those were the main purposes. But my grandpa told me that iroris were places for communication in the family. Now, most people just use living rooms. M: I see. W: Years ago, we didn't have heating appliances for each room. So families got together and casually talked around the fireplace. My grandpa sometimes tells me that a lot of parents today can't understand their children and don't know what they are thinking about. He says that it's because we don't have these kinds of fireplaces any more. So, families don't have conversations like they used to. M: Hmmm, that's interesting. I think your grandpa's right. Now, here in Japan, there's a heater in every room. And also, there's a TV set in each room. Hmm… I love TVs and heaters, but children don't come out from their own rooms because they have everything they need in the room. It's no wonder that there's less conversation in families. Boy, that's bad. W: Yeah, it's not good. M: How about your family? You have conversations with your parents? W: Of course. I love my family. I think I talk with my parents more than other kids do. This is probably because I'm grown up. Of course, there was a time when I didn't like my parents. And I didn't talk to them at all, especially to my dad. Hmm… I had a lot of respect for him, but he kept nagging me all the time. “Clean this, study that…” So I didn't like him, and we didn't have conversations at all at that time. M: Yeah, I know what you mean. But it's a part of the resistance phase. All young people go through it. Of course, I did too. W: Yeah, but sometimes Japanese young people do too much, I think…like..what I did. M: What did you do? W: I asked my mom to wash my clothes and dad's clothes separately! M: Oh, my. Your poor father! W: I know I was wrong. Sorry dad! (Written by Saori Nakanishi)

今回のテーマは「囲炉裏と家族の交流」です。 少し昔の日本の映画やドラマでは、家族が囲炉裏（fireplaces）を囲んで交流する場面がたびたび描かれています。囲炉裏は暖房や料理のほかに、家族の集う場として大切な役割を持っていました。 時代は変わり、囲炉裏のある家屋はすっかり姿を消してしまいましたが、家族の会話はどうなったのでしょうか・・・。 今回お借りした素材 写真（囲炉裏）：Wikipedia Download MP3 （18:55　10.9MB　初級～中級）*** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:12-05:30 (Natural speed) 14:20-16:53 (At a traditional Japanese restaurant) M: Hey, look at this! It's an irori, right? Wow! It's awesome! W: Yes, it's a traditional Japanese fireplace. M: In olden days, these fireplaces were used for cooking and heating the room, right? W: Yeah. Wow, I'm kind of surprised. I didn't know you were so interested in these fireplaces. You know, there are other ways to use these fireplaces, besides cooking and heating rooms. Of course, those were the main purposes. But my grandpa told me that iroris were places for communication in the family. Now, most people just use living rooms. M: I see. W: Years ago, we didn't have heating appliances for each room. So families got together and casually talked around the fireplace. My grandpa sometimes tells me that a lot of parents today can't understand their children and don't know what they are thinking about. He says that it's because we don't have these kinds of fireplaces any more. So, families don't have conversations like they used to. M: Hmmm, that's interesting. I think your grandpa's right. Now, here in Japan, there's a heater in every room. And also, there's a TV set in each room. Hmm… I love TVs and heaters, but children don't come out from their own rooms because they have everything they need in the room. It's no wonder that there's less conversation in families. Boy, that's bad. W: Yeah, it's not good. M: How about your family? You have conversations with your parents? W: Of course. I love my family. I think I talk with my parents more than other kids do. This is probably because I'm grown up. Of course, there was a time when I didn't like my parents. And I didn't talk to them at all, especially to my dad. Hmm… I had a lot of respect for him, but he kept nagging me all the time. “Clean this, study that…” So I didn't like him, and we didn't have conversations at all at that time. M: Yeah, I know what you mean. But it's a part of the resistance phase. All young people go through it. Of course, I did too. W: Yeah, but sometimes Japanese young people do too much, I think…like..what I did. M: What did you do? W: I asked my mom to wash my clothes and dad's clothes separately! M: Oh, my. Your poor father! W: I know I was wrong. Sorry dad! (Written by Saori Nakanishi)